At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic projects in payments, analyse trends, and develop insights for top executives.
- Company: Join Mastercard, a leader in secure and innovative payment solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on collaboration and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of payment innovation and make a global impact.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree; MBA preferred, with experience in strategy consulting and payments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Join our dynamic Strategy and Execution team. This strategy role is ideal for someone passionate about payments and innovation. Our team focuses on Core Products – the foundational payment solutions that power everyday transactions globally. From card‑based payments to emerging form factors such as account‑to‑account and agentic payments, we ensure Mastercard continues to lead in scale, security, and innovation. We work to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships, and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realise their greatest potential. We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences.
Role
- Support high-priority strategic projects, including scoping and structuring problems, conducting complex analysis and research, and providing insights and recommendations across Core Products.
- Support the development of strategy presentations and memos for C‑suite executives, core product leads, and Mastercard’s Board of Directors.
- Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape and support the development of insightful reports and analyses with cross‑functional teams and executives.
- Support the development of new ideas for growth opportunities based on market and competitive context, including evaluating potential acquisitions and/or investment aligned with the Core team priorities.
- Periodically help refine the strategy to reflect key issues that impact, or are expected to impact, the company.
- Balance facilitation, influence, and content contributions to help business leaders design and advance their strategies, ensuring alignment with the Core strategy.
All About You
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA and/or advanced degree from a top‑tier program preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of payments and/or financial services industry required; familiarity with Mastercard Core Products and/or broader Mastercard product portfolios preferred.
- Strategy consulting experience at a leading consulting firm and/or internal strategy units, including project leadership experience.
- Exemplary analytical and problem‑solving skills and business acumen; experienced in identifying the most critical aspects of a problem and handling ambiguity.
- Demonstrated ability to support company‑wide, complex projects from start to finish, effectively driving forward project plans and leveraging stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to develop high‑quality presentations and memos.
- Strong aptitude for modelling and applying quantitative analytical approaches.
- Experience in leveraging AI to help drive your deliverables.
Corporate Security Responsibility
- Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices.
- Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed.
- Report any suspected information security violation or breach.
- Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.
Manager, Core Payments Strategy employer: Mastercard
Mastercard is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about payments and strategy. Located in a vibrant environment, employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, collaborative projects with cross-functional teams, and the chance to influence the future of digital transactions on a global scale. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on meaningful work, Mastercard empowers its team members to thrive while contributing to a secure and accessible digital economy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Core Payments Strategy
✨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.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Mastercard. 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 Manager, Core Payments Strategy
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 Mastercard.
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 Mastercard'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 Mastercard
✨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 Mastercard.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Mastercard 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 Mastercard 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.
