At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global strategy and operations for Western Union's Account Payment Network.
- Company: Join a leading financial services company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health cover, and a contributory pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global payments while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years in partnership management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative office environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Director, APN Network Management to lead the global strategy, governance, and operations of Western Union's Account Payment Network (APN) — a critical infrastructure of global pay-out partners including banks, wallets, and card providers. This senior leadership role is central to delivering secure, efficient, and innovative payment solutions that drive business growth and reinforce Western Union's leadership in global money movement.
Role Responsibilities
- As a key member of the Payments Product organization, you will define and execute the APN strategy, build strategic partnerships, and lead a high-performing global team.
- Your work will be grounded in regulatory alignment, operational excellence, and market responsiveness, enabling scalable and compliant payment capabilities across diverse markets.
- Lead the strategy, governance, and operational framework for the APN banking network.
- Build and manage a high-performing global product team, fostering growth and inclusion.
- Establish and monitor SLAs, KPIs, and OKRs to drive performance and accountability.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships to enhance network capabilities and coverage.
- Stay ahead of global payment trends and regulatory changes, adapting strategy accordingly.
- Collaborate with risk, compliance, legal, and tech teams to ensure audit readiness and process integrity.
- Oversee incident management and escalation processes for timely resolution.
- Represent Western Union in industry forums and conferences.
- Govern long-term strategic initiatives, including business case development and funding oversight.
- Coordinate contractual reviews with Legal and Compliance to ensure regulatory adherence.
Role Requirements
- 7–10 years of partnership management experience in financial services, preferably payments, plus 5+ years managing teams.
- Undergraduate or graduate degree or equivalent experience.
- Strong business development skills, including contract negotiation and commercial oversight.
- Demonstrated strategic and tactical partnership management experience.
- Proven project management skills, including planning, coordination, and execution.
- Excellent writing and communication skills.
- Robust technological background and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience in regulatory compliance, audit preparation, and governance frameworks.
- Track record of driving measurable impact through network optimization and team leadership.
Work Shift
Western Union values in-person collaboration, problem solving, and ideation whenever possible. We believe this fosters common ways of working and supports how we execute initiatives for our customers. The expectation is to work from the office a minimum of three days a week.
Benefits
You will also have access to short-term incentives, multiple health insurance options, accident and life insurance, and access to best-in-class development platforms, to name a few. Please see the benefits below specific to your country. If applicable, additional role-specific benefits will be mentioned during your interview process or in an offer of employment.
Your United Kingdom Specific Benefits
- 25 days annual leave – plus 8 public holidays
- Comprehensive life & medical cover – including dependents
- Contributory pension plan
We are passionate about honoring our employee's identity and fostering a feeling of belonging. Our commitment is to provide an inclusive culture that celebrates the unique backgrounds and perspectives of our global teams while reflecting the communities we serve. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, political affiliation, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. The company will provide accommodation to applicants, including those with disabilities, during the recruitment process, following applicable laws.
Estimated Job Posting End Date
02-28-2026
Director, APN Network Management – London employer: Western Union
Contact Detail:
Western Union Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, APN Network Management – London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and conferences where you can meet key players in the payments sector. Don't be shy—introduce yourself and share your passion for payment solutions. You never know who might be looking for someone just like you!
✨Tip Number 2
Leverage LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. Share articles, comment on trends, and connect with professionals in the financial services space. This not only builds your online presence but also keeps you in the loop about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges in the payments landscape. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. Remember, it’s all about demonstrating how you can add value to their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, APN Network Management – London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in partnership management and financial services. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director, APN Network Management.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior leadership role, don’t forget to emphasise your experience in managing teams and driving performance. Share specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and stands out in the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Western Union
✨Know Your APN Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Western Union's Account Payment Network (APN). Understand its structure, key players, and recent developments in the payments landscape. This knowledge will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their strategic goals.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've built and managed high-performing teams. Highlight your approach to fostering growth and inclusion, as this is crucial for the Director role. Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your leadership.
✨Master the Regulatory Landscape
Brush up on the regulatory compliance aspects relevant to the payments industry. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated these challenges in the past and how you plan to ensure audit readiness and process integrity at Western Union.
✨Build Strategic Partnerships
Think about your past experiences in developing strategic partnerships. Prepare to share stories that illustrate your business development skills, including contract negotiation and commercial oversight, as these are key components of the role.