Senior Manager, Financial Partnerships, Global Card Networks in City of Westminster

Responsibilities

• Build and manage partnerships with global card networks and local card schemes to support Airwallex's card issuing and acquiring businesses.
• Facilitate Airwallex's entry into new markets by coordinating network licensing, regulatory requirements, and program implementation.
• Identify and execute on strategic opportunities with network partners, including product/feature collaboration, new revenue streams, cost optimization, and co‑marketing initiatives.
• Negotiate and structure mutually beneficial partnership agreements, and oversee the execution of Airwallex's obligations under these agreements.
• Represent Airwallex at partner and industry events, actively building our brand profile with partners and customers.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Product, Legal, Compliance, Finance, Commercial) for strategic planning, execution of critical initiatives, business analysis, and communication regarding partnership status and strategy.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience working with payment networks, card schemes, financial institutions, or other players in the card issuing/acquiring industry.
• Deep understanding of card network dynamics, issuing and acquiring business models, and economics.
• Proven track record of building and managing strategic partnerships in a fast‑paced, technology‑led environment.
• Strong negotiation, relationship management, and commercial agreement structuring skills.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams, including Product, Legal, Compliance, Finance, and Commercial.
• International experience working in multiple markets or managing cross‑border relationships.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills – able to connect with stakeholders at all levels and communicate project expectations and progress effectively.
• Must thrive under pressure – work well in a high‑velocity environment with aggressive timelines, constant change, and dynamic priorities.
• Creative problem‑solving skills and innate curiosity – must not simply replicate old models but must propound new business constructs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at a global, high‑growth fintech or pre‑IPO startup.
• Experience building financial partnerships in a new geography.
• Experience with merchant acquiring and/or card portfolio management and optimizing pricing, interchange, and product profitability.
• Recognized as an industry thought leader; experience representing your company at industry events.