Head of Payments Partnerships

Location: Flexible across Europe.

Job Overview:  

The Payments Partnerships Leader will spearhead the development and execution of partnership strategies focused on cost-effective, market-relevant Payments, KYC, and Anti-fraud solutions across various regions.  

Working closely with Product, Finance local market teams, the Payments Partnerships Leader will focus on delivering high-impact solutions to enable the development of the most trusted, user-friendly, safe and resilient payments platforms for our customers around the world. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Payments Partnerships Plan Development and Execution: 

• In partnership with product leadership, craft and drive a strategic roadmap for payments partnerships that aligns with the company’s broader product and commercial objectives, addressing both global scalability and local market requirements. 

• Innovate within the payments space by identifying and leveraging emerging trends, technologies, and partnership models to enhance transactional efficiency and user trust in each market. 

 Local Market Relevance and Optimisation: 

• Collaborate with regional market leaders to ensure payment partnerships are tailored to local preferences, regulatory standards, and user expectations, optimising for cost-effectiveness and customer satisfaction. 

• Cultivate relationships with local trusted providers to deliver highly relevant and market-adapted payment solutions, driving adoption and deepening local connections. 

 Deal Excellence and Relationship Management: 

• Lead end-to-end negotiations, contract management, and performance metrics for payments partnerships, ensuring partnerships deliver commercial value and are aligned with financial goals. 

• Act as the primary point of contact for key payment partners, nurturing long-term relationships, managing high-impact escalations, and maintaining productive, strategic alliances. 

 Cross-Functional and Cross-Domain Collaboration: 

• Work closely with commercial and product teams to incorporate payment solutions that enhance the overall user experience across app and online products, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with product goals. 

• Engage with other domain partnership leaders (e.g., gaming, sports) to share best practices, identify synergies, and promote consistent standards in partnership management across domains. 

Market Intelligence and Competitor Analysis: 

• Stay informed on competitor strategies, industry trends, and evolving regulatory landscapes in payments to keep the partnership approach innovative and adaptable. 

• Leverage competitive insights to refine the partnership strategy, ensuring the company remains a leader in providing cost-effective and trusted payment options. 

KPI Tracking and Executive Reporting: 

• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success and efficiency of payment partnerships, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives. 

• Regularly communicate performance updates, strategic shifts, and key insights to senior leadership, facilitating alignment on the impact and direction of payments partnerships. 

Requirements: 

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in payments partnerships, financial services, or a related field, with a proven track record of managing strategic partnerships and driving business outcomes. 

• Expertise: Strong knowledge of global and local payment solutions, including emerging trends, regulatory standards, and cost optimisation strategies. 

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, while fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. 

• Analytical and Structuring Skills: Strong ability to analyze data and structure processes that enhance partnership performance, providing a solid foundation for informed, data-driven deal development. 

• Negotiation Skills: Proven experience in leading high-stakes negotiations, contract management, and performance management to ensure mutually beneficial partnerships. 

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and craft long-term partnership roadmaps that align with broader commercial and product objectives. 

• Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build and sustain long-term partnerships with key stakeholders and external providers. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong experience working with product, commercial, and regional teams to deliver seamless and integrated payment solutions.