Principal Consultant-(Hybrid)

Central 1 cooperatively empowers credit unions and other financial institutions to deliver banking choice to Canadians. Central 1 provides critical services at scale to enable a thriving credit union system. We do this by collaborating with our clients, developing strategies, products and services to support the financial well‑being of their more than 5 million diverse customers in communities across Canada. For more information, visit www.central1.com.

What we offer

• Work‑life flexibility
• Hybrid work environment
• Variable annual incentive plan
• Generous annual vacation allotment
• Top‑notch flexible benefits plan including family building and gender affirmation
• Retirement Plan, matched contributions at 6%
• Access to a learning platform and educational assistance support
• Access to a virtual wellness platform
• Career development opportunities
• Wellness Flex Fund to support personal interest and activities
• Day off to volunteer in your community and other paid time off options
• Corporate discounts
• subject to employment agreement

Job Summary

The Principal Consultant is a senior leadership role within the Client Delivery team of our Payments group. They oversee staff, project, and portfolio management while serving as the primary escalation point for Central 1’s client‑facing project portfolio. As a trusted partner, the Principal Consultant leads designated work streams, coordinating matrixed resources—including Business Analysts, Project Managers, Consultants, and Technology teams—to deliver client‑facing projects and programs with excellence.

What you’ll be doing

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and manage day‑to‑day activities of team members on client initiatives.
• Facilitate coaching, development sessions, and performance evaluations.

Program & Project Management

• Strategically plan assigned programs and projects, including resource management, scheduling, capacity planning, financial oversight, and execution.
• Act as Program/Portfolio Manager to ensure client delivery and implementation needs are met.
• Lead multiple Senior Consultants, Consultants, and Business Analysts, ensuring end‑to‑end client perspectives and high‑quality, timely project delivery.

Client Engagement & Consultation

• Support client relationships in partnership with Client Relations and key stakeholders.
• Consult with clients on delivery and implementation requirements throughout project lifecycles.
• Coordinate and interface with clients, maintaining updated budgets, SOWs, and project collateral.

Project Oversight & Execution

• Responsible for project scoping, requirements analysis, scheduling, financial impacts, quality assurance, and delivery.
• Ensure adequate support and direction for the team during all project phases.
• Report internally and externally on project/portfolio health.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Implement and execute ongoing improvement strategies for the department.
• Collaborate with other Principal Consultants, Program Director, and stakeholders to enhance processes and deliverables.
• Identify and remove impediments to project quality and team performance.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

What you'll have

• University degree in computer science, engineering, business, or other related discipline with a project management/delivery focus.
• Ability to provide leadership and mentorship, and manage multiple resources on projects with conflicting deadlines in a team environment. Highly developed business acumen.
• Ability to communicate effectively and strategically both orally and in writing with clients, technical teams and other co‑workers, work to schedules, and adapt easily to changing priorities and business needs.
• Exceptional analytical, problem solving, planning, organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and set clear direction and expectations, keep team members focused on priorities, build excellent team relationships and foster a sense of urgency and dedication to delivering on commitments.
• Ability to think strategically, conceptually, and analytically and define the vision for a variety of products of significant scope, complexity and revenue potential.
• CBAP or PMP designation is an asset.
• Experience in digital/ online banking platforms and with Banking System providers is an asset.
• Financial Services background is essential, with a preferred focus on delivering complex payments solutions to external customers.
• Minimum 10 years relevant experience and preferably minimum 5 years in external client facing consulting experience.
• Excellent client management skills.

Salary range

$90,000-$110,000

The salary represents the job rate determined for the successful candidate who is fully competent in the role. The actual salary will vary depending on market conditions and relevant job‑related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training.

Central 1 does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to screen, assess, or select applicants during our recruitment process. This job posting is for an existing, specific vacancy within our organization. All applications will be considered exclusively for the position described in this posting.

Central 1 is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building an inclusive workforce by creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong and has the opportunity to be successful. We welcome all applicants to join our diverse workforce and we will provide an accessible candidate experience including, but not limited to accommodations to interview sites and alternate formats upon request to our Recruitment team.

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