PDLC Core Operations Leader

Candescent is the largest non-core digital banking provider. We bring together the transformative technologies that power and connect account opening, digital banking and branch solutions for banks and credit unions of all sizes on any core. Our Candescent solutions power the top three U.S. mobile banking apps and are trusted by banks and credit unions of all sizes.

We offer an extensive portfolio of industry-leading products and services with an extensible ecosystem of out-of-the-box and integrated partner solutions. In addition, our API-first architecture and developer tools enable financial institutions to optimize and expand upon their existing capabilities by seamlessly integrating custom-built or third-party solutions. And our connected in-person, remote and digital experiences reinvent customer service across all channels.

Self-service configuration and marketing tools give financial institutions greater control of their branding, targeted messaging and overall user experience. And data-driven analytics and reporting tools provide valuable insights to help drive continued growth and profitability. From conversions and implementations to custom development and customer care, our clients get expert, end-to-end support at every step.

The Head of PDLC Core Operations is a player/coach role that ensures the Product Development Lifecycle (PDLC) runs with clarity, consistency, and discipline. Sitting at the center of Product Operations, this leader builds and manages the core operating systems that drive how Product plans, prioritizes, and launches. Equal parts strategist and operator, you will lead a team responsible for roadmap management, GTM launch operations, intake and prioritization of customer feedback, and partnership program management—while also rolling up your sleeves to execute in key areas.

By connecting strategy to execution and creating a single source of truth for the product lifecycle, this role ensures our teams can operate predictably, our customers see value faster, and our partners experience seamless engagement.

What You’ll Lead

1. Roadmap Program Management

• Serve as the central hub for managing, communicating, and aligning both internal and external product roadmaps.
• Act as the single point of truth for product strategy, roadmap visibility, and associated changelogs.
• Oversee tooling and frameworks for roadmap communication across internal and customer-facing channels.
• Support backlog grooming practices in partnership with Product and Engineering.

2. GTM Launch Operations

• Orchestrate the operational aspects of bringing new products and features to market.
• Lead GTM launch planning, execution, and cross-functional coordination across Product, Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success.
• Standardize repeatable GTM launch processes to improve efficiency and predictability.
• Drive adoption through data analysis, stakeholder alignment, and effective communication strategies.

3. Intake & Prioritization (Customer Feedback Ecosystem)

• Own and optimize systems and tools for collecting, storing, and analyzing customer feedback (tickets, surveys, app reviews, social media, etc.).
• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative feedback into actionable insights for Product teams.
• Build and maintain dashboards that highlight key feedback trends for leadership visibility.
• Manage repeatable feedback loops that integrate customer input into the PDLC, sprint planning, and post-launch analysis.

4. Partnership Program Management

• Lead the rollout and ongoing management of partnership programs across the company.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams and external partners.
• Continuously assess and improve partnership processes for scalability and efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Sales, Product, Marketing, Legal) to resolve challenges and support execution.
• Develop training, documentation, and communications to drive adoption and alignment.
• Track KPIs and deliver insights to guide ongoing improvements.

Scope & Impact

In this role, you will own the “core engine” of Product Operations, ensuring the PDLC runs predictably, transparently, and with customer-centric feedback loops. While working in concert with the Agilist org, you will build and lead a small but high-impact team that manages the heartbeat of roadmap, launch, and partner operations while also directly driving execution in critical areas. As the connective tissue between Product, Engineering, GTM, and partners, you will establish scalable systems, reduce friction, and create visibility for leadership to make confident decisions. Ultimately, your work will accelerate time-to-value for customers, improve alignment across functions, and strengthen the foundation for how Product operates at scale.

Key Competencies

• Operational Leadership: Ability to design, build, and scale systems that support a complex product lifecycle.
• Roadmap & Launch Discipline: Skilled at turning strategy into clear, communicated, and executed plans.
• Customer-Centric Thinking: Experience structuring and synthesizing customer feedback into actionable priorities.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Skilled at aligning diverse stakeholders across Product, Engineering, GTM, and Partnerships.
• Process Excellence: Track record of building repeatable frameworks that scale and reduce ambiguity.
• Coaching & Team Development: Ability to mentor and elevate team members while also delivering hands-on results.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in Product Operations, Program Management, or related functions.
• Proven experience managing roadmaps, launches, or feedback programs at scale.
• Strong background in operationalizing product development lifecycles in SaaS or technology environments.
• Experience leading or contributing to partnership program execution a plus.
• Skilled in tooling and dashboards for roadmap visibility, customer feedback, and prioritization.
• Exceptional communication skills—able to translate strategy and data into clear narratives for executives and teams.
• Experience working in high-growth, cross-functional environments strongly preferred.

EEO Statement

Integrated into our shared values is Candescent’s commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, military service, genetic information, or any other characteristic or conduct protected by law. Candescent is committed to being a globally inclusive company where all people are treated fairly, recognized for their individuality, promoted based on performance and encouraged to strive to reach their full potential.  We believe in understanding and respecting differences among all people. Every individual at Candescent has an ongoing responsibility to respect and support a globally diverse environment.

Statement to Third Party Agencies
To ALL recruitment agencies: Candescent only accepts resumes from agencies on the preferred supplier list. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, Candescent employees, or any Candescent facility. Candescent is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes.