Senior Manager, Strategy & Transformation (Payment Networks)

About the role

The Senior Manager, Strategy & Transformation (Payment Networks) plays a pivotal role in guiding clients through major investments and transformations within the financial services sector. This includes working with senior and C-Level executives on obtaining value from these investments, driving go-to-market strategies for payment-network lines of business, and leading large-scale integration and transformation programs.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strategic advice and solutions to senior and C-Level executives on major investments and transformations.
• Prioritize high-value markets, define country-level network acceptance models, ensure operational readiness, and navigate regulatory compliance for payment-network lines of business.
• Lead large-scale integration and transformation programs, managing 10+ workstreams across legal, HR, risk, finance, and operations.
• Develop and execute integrated implementation plans, ensuring alignment across all stakeholders.
• Identify and manage critical path dependencies, risks, and regulatory constraints.
• Partner with senior client stakeholders to drive decision-making and resolve conflicting priorities.
• Provide strategic guidance balancing risk, cost, speed, and regulatory compliance.
• Facilitate client working sessions ranging from executive and board-level meetings to large group presentations and requirements gathering exercises.
• Develop and execute against clients’ strategic initiatives.
• Manage and coach project teams to deliver complex engagements.
• Support clients involved in major transactions (M&A, carve-outs, IPO), financial process improvement, system implementation, operational accounting challenges, and financial technology enablement.
• Play an active role in business development efforts across all stages (market analysis, client sourcing, relationship building, proposal development, oral presentations).
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with clients at all levels based on integrity and trust.
• Contribute perspectives on the implications of market trends such as data and digital transformation, emerging technology, macro-economic trends, and regulatory demands.

Requirements

• BA/BS in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related discipline
• 8+ years of applicable Finance, Operations, or Business Transformation experience with at least 5 years of financial services experience
• Experience within a global financial service firm, retail banking, or payment networks
• Proven track record leading large-scale transformation or go-to-market programs
• Strong background in operational risk and regulatory frameworks
• Demonstrated track record helping companies undergo major transformations
• Prior experience working directly with and advising C-Level executives, including experience presenting complex ideas and facilitating executive workshops
• Experience leading project teams across multiple workstreams
• Experience coaching and developing junior team members
• Highly effective interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Willingness to travel at least 30% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration (may substitute for business-related undergraduate degree)
• At least one of the following certifications is preferred: CPA, PMP
• Progressive responsibility in managing client relationships and achievement against business development goals
• Familiarity with payment network transaction flows and settlement processes
• Experience with regulatory approvals, legal entity structuring, and intercompany agreements