AI Native Bank Product Owner (ex consultant)

Our client is building a greenfield, AI-native digital bank in the UAE, backed by a large regional conglomerate, and is seeking experienced ex consultants with a Product Owner skill set to support the design and launch of the MVP. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a bank being built from scratch, with a strong focus on digital-first customer experiences across retail and corporate banking. This is an initial 6 8 month contract, with an immediate start required to support an MVP launch targeted for 31st March 2027 with the banking license coming in September this year. The role sits within a scaled Agile delivery environment, where multiple cross-functional pods are driving parallel product builds. Each Product Owner will typically oversee 2 3 pods, with each pod comprising 6 8 team members, working collaboratively to deliver high-impact digital financial services solutions. The ideal individual will have a strong consulting background and bring a strong blend of product ownership, delivery execution, and stakeholder management experience, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, build-from-zero environment. Key Responsibilities: Product Ownership: Lead product development across multiple Agile pods, defining and prioritising backlogs aligned to overall product vision and business goals. MVP Delivery: Drive execution towards a time-bound MVP launch, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of core features and functionalities. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, design, business, and leadership teams to ensure seamless product development and delivery. Agile Execution: Facilitate Agile ceremonies, manage sprint planning, and ensure continuous delivery across pods. Stakeholder Management: Engage with senior stakeholders to align on priorities, manage expectations, and provide regular progress updates. Product Strategy Alignment: Translate broader business and product strategy into actionable development plans and deliverables. Your Background: 6-10 years consulting experience with exposure to Product Ownership / Digital programme or digital project management Digital Product Delivery: Strong experience delivering digital products, ideally within financial services, though individuals from other sectors with relevant experience will also be considered. Consulting Background: Prior experience in strategy consulting, management consulting or technology consulting with digital project experience is a must have Agile & Tools: Hands-on experience working in Agile environments, with familiarity in tools such as Jira or similar project management platforms. Banking / FS sector experience preferred: Exposure to retail and/or corporate banking products is advantageous but not mandatory. Execution Focus: Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Communication Skills: Strong command of English with the ability to work effectively across diverse, multicultural teams.