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 transactions, new system implementations, and organizational challenges. They provide strategic advice and solutions to senior and C-Level executives on obtaining value from these transformations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strategic advice and solutions to senior and C-Level executives on major investments and transformations.
• Drive go-to-market strategies for payment-network lines of business at large financial service firms.
• Lead large-scale integration and transformation programs, managing up to 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

Benefits

Highspring provides a competitive compensation package that includes a range of benefits designed to support employees' overall well-being and career growth. These benefits may vary based on location and individual circumstances.

Pay

Compensation for this role (and others) at Highspring is determined based on a wide array of factors including the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location, and other business and organizational needs. As required by local law, Highspring believes that the following salary range reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for a variety of bonus and financial incentives based on individual and company performance.

Schedule

As a Senior Manager, the typical schedule involves regular business hours with occasional travel requirements. Specific details regarding the schedule will be provided during the hiring process.