At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects in fintech, managing operations and product launches.
- Company: Join Cardaq, a fast-growing Electronic Money Institution in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a small, high-performance team where your contributions matter.
- Why this job: Shape the future of payments while working closely with the COO.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in project management, ideally in fintech or financial services.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Cardaq is a London-based Electronic Money Institution (EMI) authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Operating since 2011, we deliver end-to-end card processing and acquiring solutions for low- and medium-risk merchants globally. As a Principal Member of Visa, Mastercard, and China UnionPay, we offer a full suite of card issuing and acquiring products and we're growing fast.
The Project Manager will own the delivery of strategic initiatives across both business operations and product programmes. You'll sit at the intersection of our commercial, technical, and compliance functions, keeping projects on time, on budget, and aligned with our obligations as an FCA-regulated EMI. This is a hands-on role that requires someone comfortable managing multiple workstreams simultaneously in a fast-paced fintech environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end delivery of cross-functional projects spanning payments operations, product launches, and regulatory change programmes.
- Build and maintain detailed project plans, RAID logs, and status reporting for the COO and senior leadership.
- Manage stakeholder relationships across internal teams (product, tech, compliance, finance) and external partners including card scheme representatives.
- Drive delivery of card scheme-related projects including Mastercard, Visa, and UnionPay, compliance updates, and scheme rule changes.
- Coordinate with acquiring and issuing programme teams to ensure scheme mandates (e.g. PCI DSS, 3DS, tokenisation) are met within agreed timelines.
- Track project budgets, resource allocation, and vendor commitments.
- Run project governance — steering groups, sprint reviews, post-implementation reviews (PIRs).
- Support the COO in operational process improvement initiatives across the business.
- Identify and escalate risks and blockers proactively, with mitigation plans.
Required Skills & Experience
- 3–5 years of project management experience, ideally within payments, fintech, or financial services.
- Strong working knowledge of card scheme products and operations - Visa, Mastercard, and/or UnionPay scheme rules, certification processes, and compliance requirements.
- Proven track record delivering projects in regulated environments (FCA, PCI DSS, AML/KYC frameworks an advantage).
- Experience managing both technical (IT/integration) and non-technical (ops/compliance) project workstreams.
- Proficiency with project management tooling - Jira, Monday.com, or equivalent.
- Strong communication skills able to translate complexity for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Formal PM qualification desirable: PMP, PRINCE2, or APM PMQ.
Desirable
- Experience working at a card scheme, acquirer, issuer, or PSP.
- Familiarity with acquiring and issuing programme delivery (onboarding, scheme connectivity, settlement).
- Understanding of EMI regulatory obligations in the UK.
- Exposure to white-label payment product builds or third-party integrations.
Location: London (5 days in-office)
Reporting To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Notice Period: 1 month
Why Cardaq
- Direct access and visibility to the COO, a genuine opportunity to shape how we operate.
- Work on cutting-edge payment infrastructure used by merchants and PSPs globally.
- Small, high-performance team where your impact is visible and valued.
- FCA-regulated environment with strong compliance culture and career progression.
Project Manager in London employer: Cardaq
Cardaq is an exceptional employer located in the heart of London, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive in a fast-paced fintech landscape. With direct access to senior leadership and a strong emphasis on compliance and career progression, team members are empowered to make a tangible impact on innovative payment solutions. The company's commitment to employee growth, coupled with a collaborative culture and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, makes Cardaq a highly attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fintech space, especially those who work at Cardaq or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that Project Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of card schemes like Visa and Mastercard. We want to see that you know your stuff, so be ready to discuss compliance and project management tools like Jira or Monday.com.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with real-life examples during interviews. Talk about how you've managed multiple workstreams in fast-paced environments and how you tackled challenges. We love hearing about your hands-on approach!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Cardaq.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role at Cardaq. Highlight your experience in project management, especially within fintech or payments, and showcase any relevant qualifications like PMP or PRINCE2.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've managed that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced fintech environment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to convey complex information clearly. Use straightforward language and structure your application well to demonstrate your communication prowess.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and you’ll have access to all the latest updates about the hiring process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardaq
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the outcomes. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the fast-paced environment at Cardaq.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Card Schemes
Since the role involves working with Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay, brush up on their rules and compliance requirements. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these schemes will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you manage relationships with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you successfully navigated complex dynamics between technical and non-technical teams. This will highlight your communication skills and ability to drive projects forward.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Tools Proficiency
Be prepared to discuss your experience with project management tools like Jira or Monday.com. Share specific examples of how you've used these tools to track progress, manage budgets, and report to senior leadership. This will illustrate your hands-on approach and organisational skills.
