At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects in a fast-paced fintech environment and drive innovative payment solutions.
- Company: Join Cardaq, a dynamic Electronic Money Institution based in London.
- Benefits: Gain direct access to leadership, competitive salary, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on compliance and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global payment infrastructure and work with top-tier card schemes.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years of project management experience in fintech or financial services.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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 ROLE
Reporting directly to the COO, 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.
- Support the COO in operational process improvement initiatives across the business.
- Identify and escape 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.
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 months
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 employer: Cardaq
At Cardaq, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the fintech sector, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets compliance. As a Project Manager, you'll enjoy direct access to senior leadership, the opportunity to influence strategic initiatives, and a strong focus on employee growth within a supportive, high-performance team. Our commitment to a robust compliance culture ensures that your contributions are not only valued but also pivotal in shaping the future of payment solutions globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager
✨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 interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of card schemes like Visa and Mastercard. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with managing projects in regulated environments. We want to see your passion for payments!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills with real examples. Talk about how you've successfully delivered projects on time and within budget, especially in fast-paced settings. We love hearing about your hands-on experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Cardaq.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager
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 skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of projects you've managed, particularly in regulated environments, and how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in fast-paced settings.
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 logically to demonstrate your communication prowess.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and shows us you're keen on joining our team at Cardaq!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardaq
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of card schemes like Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay. Understand their rules and compliance requirements, as this will show that you're not just familiar with the industry but also ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've managed in the past, especially in regulated environments. Highlight how you kept projects on track, managed budgets, and navigated stakeholder relationships. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to juggle multiple workstreams.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Since this role involves both technical and non-technical aspects, be prepared to explain complex concepts in simple terms. Think about how you would communicate project details to different audiences, and practice articulating these ideas clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the company’s current projects, challenges they face in the fintech space, or how they measure success in project delivery. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
