Sales - Card Acceptance

Business Development Manager – Card AcceptanceLocation: United Kingdom (Remote/Field-Based)Contract: 12-Month ContractDay Rate: £450 per day (Gross) – Inside IR35Start Date: ImmediateNumber of Positions: 6About the Opportunity:A leading global payments organisation—recently acquired by a major financial institution—is launching its first-ever Direct Sales Team in the UK to accelerate card acceptance growth for a major Third-Party Card Scheme.This initiative is a direct response to the slow uptake of acceptance through traditional acquiring channels, and now seeks experienced merchant-facing sales professionals to help drive adoption across key verticals:AirlinesHotels & HospitalityTransport & TravelEntertainmentRestaurants & DiningThis is a high-impact, strategic opportunity to join a fast-moving, change-driven environment focused on tangible commercial outcomes and growth.The Role:As Senior Principal Business Development, you will be responsible for identifying, targeting, and onboarding hold-out UK merchants who currently do not accept the Third-Party Card Scheme. Using a direct-to-merchant sales approach, you’ll drive acceptance adoption, collaborating closely with internal compliance, pricing, risk, and commercial stakeholders.This is a hands-on role requiring strong commercial acumen, sales execution, and deep industry knowledge of merchant acquiring and card acceptance dynamics.Key Responsibilities:Direct Sales & Deal Closing (35%)-Identify, engage, and win new merchant acceptance deals within target verticals.-Build and manage a robust pipeline across the UK market.-Lead negotiations and close agreements directly with merchants.-Respond to RFPs and create tailored proposals for target businesses.Strategic Deal Structuring (25%)-Create compelling business cases for internal approval (Pricing, Risk, AML).-Influence internal stakeholders to support and prioritise opportunities.Sales Innovation & Collaboration (20%)-Work closely with internal teams to refine the sales proposition.-Gather and apply feedback from merchants to shape solutions.Account Relationship Growth (10%)-Develop trusted relationships with key merchants and partners.-Support post-sale engagement to maximise transaction volume and value.Industry Representation (10%)-Attend relevant exhibitions, networking events, and industry forums to represent the brand and support growth.What We’re Looking For:Proven experience in direct merchant sales—particularly card acceptance, payments, acquiring, or fintech.Strong track record of winning over non-accepting merchants or those loyal to other schemes.Industry knowledge of card scheme dynamics (e.g. Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Third-Party Schemes).Familiarity with how UK acquirers (Barclaycard, Worldpay, etc.) support card scheme acceptance.Excellent commercial negotiation skills and ability to influence at C-level.Self-starter with a hunter mindset and ability to work independently in a fast-paced project.Sales experience in one or more target verticals is highly desirable.Why This Role Stands Out:Be part of a first-of-its-kind direct sales team in the UK.Influence the future of card acceptance in strategically important sectors.High-visibility role with clear commercial KPIs and stakeholder engagement.Attractive daily rate of £450 (inside IR35) over a 12-month contract.Potential for contract extension or longer-term opportunity based on performance.Apply Now:If you’re a true hunter with deep experience in card acceptance, merchant sales, and breaking into hard-to-win accounts—this is your opportunity to drive major industry change and deliver tangible results.