Implementation Manager
Coastal Community Bank
ABOUT US
Coastal is at the forefront of modern banking, combining strong financial infrastructure with cutting-edge Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and fintech enablement strategies. We support not only individuals with their personal banking needs; we also empower businesses by integrating modern banking technology that drives growth, flexibility, and innovation.
At Coastal, we think and move like entrepreneurs; focused on impact, speed, and continuous improvement. We believe in working smart, collaborating deeply, and building solutions that unlock real potential. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, loves solving complex problems, and wants to help shape the future of banking, we’d love to meet you.
Check out our video here!
OVERVIEW
The Implementation Manager plays a critical role in driving the success of our fintech partners by owning the full implementation journey from contract signature through go-live. This role requires a balance of technical knowledge, program management expertise, and strong interpersonal skills. The Implementation Manager ensures partner requirements are clearly defined, integrations are executed seamlessly, compliance obligations are met, and stakeholders remain aligned throughout the onboarding lifecycle. Acting as the primary bridge between fintech partners and internal teams (engineering, product, operations, compliance, legal, etc.) you will be responsible for translating complex requirements into clear deliverables, mitigating risks before they escalate, and ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and with a high level of quality. Beyond managing individual projects, this role will contribute to scaling the implementation framework, improving onboarding processes, and driving operational efficiency to support Coastal’s growth. Success in this position means delivering exceptional partner experience, enabling faster time-to-market, and strengthening the foundation for long-term partner relationships.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO INCLUDE
- Own the full lifecycle of partner implementations from kickoff through go-live.
- Build and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and deliverables.
- Identify and manage risks, issues, and dependencies; escalate where necessary.
- Serve as the main point of contact for fintech partners during onboarding.
- Translate partner business and technical requirements into actionable internal deliverables.
- Provide clear, consistent communication to partners and stakeholders.
- Guide partners through API integrations, file exchanges (SFTP, JSON, XML), and testing.
- Coordinate UAT, production validation, and post-launch transition to relationship management.
- Create and maintain partner-facing documentation, playbooks, and guides.
- Manage implementation governance processes and milestones.
- Contribute to improving onboarding frameworks, templates, and automation for scalability.
- Partner with Product and Engineering to provide feedback that improves our BaaS platform.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with banking and fintech regulatory frameworks (KYC, AML, compliance).
- Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with shifting priorities.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills — able to engage technical, compliance, and executive audiences effectively.
- Proficiency with project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Notion, Jira, Asana, Confluence, Monday).
- Knowledge of payment rails (ACH, wires, RTP, book transfers, card networks) and related funds and data flows.
- Technical aptitude with the ability to master new systems and concepts.
- Strong knowledge of API integrations, data mapping, and technical workflows.
- Ability to contribute to building scalable implementation frameworks.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with attention to detail.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- 7+ years of experience in implementation management, client onboarding, or technical delivery within fintech, payments, BaaS, or banking.
- Prior experience at a sponsor bank, card issuer, processor, or BaaS provider strongly preferred.
HOW YOU’LL THRIVE AT COASTAL
- Be the Best – Communicate effectively, pay close attention to detail, and prioritize your personal development.
- Be Relentless – Thrive in a goal-oriented environment exercising both patience and persistence. Advocate for our customers and team members and strive to promote the Coastal Difference.
- Be Un-Bankey – Be a forward thinker with a creative mindset. Build long-lasting relationships promoting the Coastal Difference, built on a foundation of integrity, honesty, and trust.
- Embrace Gray Thinking – Use sound judgment while decision-making and problem-solving. Think outside the box.
- Stay Flexible – Organize and strategize effectively while always being prepared to adapt on the fly. Seek efficiencies for Coastal to work smarter, not harder.
- Take Care of Each Other – Understand what it means to be a true team player and have your teammate's back. Practice self-awareness and build your emotional intelligence.
BEING YOU AT COASTAL
Coastal is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.?
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to:
- Sit for extended periods of time.
- Stand for extended periods of time.
- Perform repetitive finger, hand, and arm movement.
- Use electronic office equipment such as a computer keyboard, mouse, ten key, telephone, etc.
- View and read computer screens for extended periods.
- Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.