Manager of Payment Products

Summary

The Manager of Payment Products will be a leader within the Payments organization, responsible for driving innovation, product development, and operational excellence across traditional and next-generation payment platforms. This role will execute strategic direction by translating high-level goals into actionable plans, provide leadership over product management, profitability analysis, and process optimization, while serving as a thought partner to the Chief Payments Officer in shaping the future of payment products at Academy Bank.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief Payments Officer to define and evolve the strategic roadmap for payments across consumer, commercial, SMB, and fintech segments.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to modernize payment infrastructure and expand capabilities in embedded banking, instant payments, and digital wallets.
• Lead product strategies that drive revenue growth, client retention, efficiency, and competitive differentiation for key payment products (Zelle, ACH, wires, debit card, push to card, RTP, FedNow, Autobooks, integrated ERP systems, integrated payables, and stablecoin exploration).
• Collaborate with vendors (e.g., Fiserv, Mastercard, Early Warning Services) to manage integration, upgrades, and compliance.
• Drive new product innovation and planning, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, market trends, and client needs.
• Define and manage KPIs to measure success and drive accountability, and oversee performance tracking, customer adoption, and feature enhancements.
• Partner with Marketing and Sales Enablement to develop go-to market strategies and support product adoption.
• Lead payment profitability reviews across all channels and customer segments.
• Develop dashboards and reporting frameworks to monitor transaction volumes, fee structures, and cost-to-serve metrics.
• Identify opportunities to optimize pricing, reduce costs, and improve margin performance.
• Support business case development for new payment initiatives and partnerships.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, and competitive benchmarks to inform strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with operations and technology teams to streamline payment workflows, reduce manual processes, and improve SLA adherence.
• Drive process improvement and automation initiatives across payment operations, using data-driven approaches and automation.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of product managers, analysts, and innovation leads.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across IT, finance, compliance, marketing, and customer service.
• Oversee readiness and execution of major payment launches and upgrades.
• Support regulatory exams and internal audits related to payment products and operations.
• Contribute to thought leadership and represent Academy Bank in industry working groups and consortiums.
• May supervise others, including interviewing, hiring, performance management, motivating, and training. Will typically supervise a staff of 1-5 associates.
• Conduct regular meetings and provide frequent feedback to associates to develop them and provide a career path.
• Protect all client and bank information confidentially and follow all company policies.
• Understand, communicate, and instill the Company’s mission, vision, and values (Pillars of Success).
• Complete monthly training in a timely manner to ensure knowledge of bank regulatory requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Working at the worksite during regular business hours and/or assigned hours.
• Other specified duties as assigned. 

Compensation & Benefits

The Manager of Payment Products position pays a minimum of $90,000 per year.

Full‐time associates are eligible for our benefits package:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) plan
• Company paid life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Company paid vacation, paid leave and holidays 

This position will remain open until a qualified applicant is hired.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete work accurately.
• Ability to organize work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required, and leadership abilities.
• Proficient Microsoft Office suite of products
• Vendor relationship skills.
• Strong analytical skills.

Education & Experience

• Undergraduate degree, required.
• 10+ years of experience in financial services, with at least 1 year of supervisory experience.
• 2+ years of experience in payments, product or program management, or financial services strategy.
• Proven track record of leading initiatives and managing complex vendor relationships.
• Experience in profitability modeling and operational metrics.
• Familiarity with payment platforms such as Zelle, RTP, FedNow, ACH, Fedwire, Autobooks,, and embedded banking technologies.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks for financial institutions including Reg E.

Physical Requirements

The work environment is typical of a standard office or retail banking setting.  The position is sedentary, involving sitting most of the day, however, the position will involve moving about the workspace to reach entrances/exits, restrooms, conference rooms, or other areas within the work environment. Reaching may be required involving the ability to move arms in any direction.  Office equipment, such as a computer and telephone, will be used requiring the ability to manipulate a keyboard, mouse, and/or keypad.  The ability to decipher a computer screen or written documents is necessary. The ability to express or exchange ideas; impart information to clients, coworkers, or the public; or to convey detailed or important instructions; is required. The ability to receive and understand detailed information shared through oral or written communication is required.  If participating in the hybrid work program, lifting of approximately 5 lbs. (laptop) is required at least twice daily.