At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead partnerships with global card networks and drive Airwallex's card business growth.
- Company: Join a fast-growing fintech revolutionising global payments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fintech space and shape the future of payments.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in payment networks and strong partnership management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About Airwallex
Airwallex is the only unified payments and financial platform for global businesses. Powered by our unique combination of proprietary infrastructure and software, we empower over 200,000 businesses worldwide with fully integrated solutions to manage everything from business accounts, payments, spend management and treasury, to embedded finance at a global scale. Proudly founded in Melbourne, we have a team of over 2,200 of the brightest and most innovative people in tech across 26 offices around the globe. Valued at US$8 billion and backed by world-leading investors, Airwallex is leading the charge in building the global payments and financial platform of the future.
Attributes We Value
We hire successful builders with founder-like energy who want real impact, accelerated learning, and true ownership. You bring strong role-related expertise and sharp thinking, and you’re motivated by our mission and operating principles. You move fast with good judgment, dig deep with curiosity, and make decisions from first principles, balancing speed and rigor. You're humble and collaborative; turn zero‑to‑one ideas into real products, and you “get stuff done” end-to-end. You use AI to work smarter and solve problems faster. Here, you’ll tackle complex, high‑visibility problems with exceptional teammates and grow your career as we build the future of global banking.
About the team
The Financial Partnerships team at Airwallex is dedicated to building and managing strategic relationships with key financial institutions and fellow fintech partners worldwide. We focus on expanding Airwallex’s payment network, enhancing our product offerings, and driving mutual growth for Airwallex and our partners. We coordinate closely with cross-functional internal and external stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions and ensure our customers have access to the best financial services worldwide.
What you'll do
As Senior Manager, Financial Partnerships, Card Issuing & Acquiring, EMEA, you’ll play a pivotal role in scaling Airwallex’s card issuing and acquiring businesses. You’ll be responsible for building and managing partnerships with global card networks and regional/local card schemes, facilitating Airwallex’s entry into new markets, and unlocking strategic opportunities with our network partners. You’ll collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to deliver on critical initiatives and represent Airwallex at partner and industry events, helping to build our brand profile with partners and customers.
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 communications regarding partnership status and strategy.
Who you are
We're looking for people who meet the minimum requirements for this role. The preferred qualifications are great to have, but are not mandatory.
Minimum 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.
- 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.
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.
Equal opportunity
Airwallex is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Airwallex is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent.
Senior Manager, Financial Partnerships, Card Issuing & Acquiring, EMEA in London employer: Airwallex
Airwallex is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, where employees are empowered to take ownership of their projects and make a real impact in the fintech space. Based in London, the company offers unparalleled growth opportunities, allowing team members to collaborate with industry leaders and tackle complex challenges while enjoying a supportive environment that values creativity and agility. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Airwallex ensures that every employee can thrive and contribute to building the future of global banking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Financial Partnerships, Card Issuing & Acquiring, EMEA in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Airwallex. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Financial Partnerships, Card Issuing & Acquiring, EMEA in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Airwallex.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Airwallex's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airwallex
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Airwallex.
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✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Airwallex will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Airwallex employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
