Program Manager, Issuer Partnerships

Responsibilities

• Independently own a portfolio of issuer and processor relationships end-to-end, including program governance, escalations, and contract negotiations
• Drive partner onboarding and product launches by coordinating technical integration, BIN setup, and network approvals
• Act as the connective tissue across Product, Engineering, Compliance, Risk, Legal, Operations, and Finance to translate partner requirements into actionable plans
• Set and drive program execution against the Issuing roadmap, defining milestones and resolving risks
• Build durable partner operating mechanisms such as SLAs, oversight reporting, and incident handling protocols
• Serve as a subject matter expert on the issuing ecosystem, regulatory developments, and network mandates
• Communicate with clarity to executive stakeholders and utilize AI/LLM-powered tooling for reporting and diligence workflows

Requirements

• 8+ years of program or product operations management in fintech, issuing, banking, or payments
• Direct experience owning bank partner and/or card processor relationships at a senior level
• Working knowledge of card issuing economics, BIN sponsorship models, and network rules (Visa/Mastercard)
• Proven track record of leading complex cross-functional programs through significant ambiguity
• Experience designing scalable program operating mechanisms in a regulated environment
• Exceptional stakeholder management and ability to influence without authority
• Ability to operate with a builder's mindset in a 0-to-1 product environment

Preferred Qualifications

• 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)