Program Manager, Issuer Partnerships

About the role

Join our Issuing team as a Senior Individual Contributor Program Manager to help scale Block's Issuing programs through best-in-class partner management. This role requires independent ownership of a portfolio of issuer and processor relationships, driving partner onboarding and product launches, and setting and executing program execution against the Issuing roadmap.

Responsibilities

• Independently own a portfolio of issuer and processor relationships end-to-end: program governance cadences, escalations, contract negotiations and amendments, change requests, and quarterly business reviews.
• Drive partner onboarding and product launches: coordinate diligence, technical integration, BIN setup, network and bank approvals, pilot scope, and GA launch readiness across all stakeholders.
• Be the connective tissue across Product, Engineering, Compliance, Risk, Legal, Operations, and Finance: translate partner requirements into actionable internal plans and accelerate decisions.
• Set and drive program execution against the Issuing roadmap: define milestones, surface and resolve risks early, make calls on tradeoffs, and keep partners and internal stakeholders aligned on timelines and dependencies.
• Build durable partner operating mechanisms: SLAs, oversight reporting, incident and SEV handling protocols, MSA-driven obligations, and audit-ready documentation that meet partner, network, and internal policy standards.
• Be a go-to expert on the issuing ecosystem at Block: stay current on regulatory developments, network mandates, and partner ecosystem changes; shape program strategy and advise senior leadership on partner selection, sequencing, and tradeoffs.
• Communicate with clarity and apply AI for leverage: deliver concise, action-oriented updates to executive stakeholders; escalate risks early with data-backed options; and use AI/LLM-powered tooling for partner reporting, diligence workflows, and document review to reduce cycle time.

Requirements

• 8+ years of program or product operations management in fintech, issuing, banking, or payments, with direct experience independently owning bank partner and/or card processor relationships at a senior level.
• Working knowledge of card issuing economics, BIN sponsorship models, network rules (Visa/Mastercard), and the regulatory landscape for consumer card products.
• Demonstrated track record of independently leading complex cross-functional programs through significant ambiguity from partner onboarding through launch with full ownership of strategy, timelines, scope, and risk.
• Experience independently designing and standing up scalable program operating mechanisms (governance forums, SLAs, oversight reporting, incident response, playbooks) in a regulated environment.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills; adept at influencing without authority across executive partner counterparts and internal product/engineering/compliance teams.
• Track record of building partner trust at the executive level and operating with discretion and sound judgment across sensitive commercial and regulatory matters.
• A builder's mindset paired with senior judgment: comfortable with ambiguity, rapid iteration, and hands-on execution in a 0-to-1 product environment without needing structured direction.
• Experience launching consumer financial products with multiple bank or processor partners; deep familiarity with at least one Tier 1 issuing bank or processor.
• Background in compliance program management (KYC, AML, BSA, sanctions) or partner oversight in a regulated fintech.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Skills

• Strong understanding of card issuing economics, BIN sponsorship models, network rules, and regulatory landscape.
• Experience in managing and negotiating contracts.
• Knowledge of compliance program management (KYC, AML, BSA, sanctions).
• Experience in partner management and program governance.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

Block offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible time off
• Retirement savings plans
• Modern family planning
• Remote work options

Pay

Starting pay range varies based on location and experience. For more details, see the Pay section above.

Schedule

Remote work is offered. Specific schedule details are provided in the application guidelines.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the hiring process or data usage, please contact us here.

EEOC

We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our customers. We also provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.