Job Description: Card Schemes Service Manager
We are seeking an experienced Service Manager with expertise in the operational and strategic management of services associated with Card Schemes from major brands (Mastercard, Visa, and American Express). The primary objective of this role is to oversee service execution, foster operational efficiencies, and ensure alignment with the organization’s strategic goals.
In this position, you will be responsible for managing the operational relationship with external partners, driving cost-saving initiatives, and serving as the main point of contact between all stakeholders. You will also lead the evolution of the service toward more efficient and sustainable models, contributing to the overall success of the organization.
Key Responsibilities:
Evaluate and estimate cost savings globally and by entity, identifying improvement opportunities.Develop clear proposals for the validation of operational efficiencies with entitiesMonitor validated efficiencies to ensure proper implementation.Serve as a liaison between all stakeholders participating in the model (business leaders, business champions, technology, operations, and other internal stakeholders). Provide strategic support to business leaders.Service oversight: ensure that the execution of the service is aligned with the strategic goals and the service KPIs/SLAs are being implemented as needed.Design and lead the roadmap for service internalization, including the potential development of proprietary tools and new operating models.Manage and lead the team of analysts responsible for delivering the service, ensuring that they have the necessary resources, tools and guidance too meet performance expectations.Act as the single point of contact for the operational relationship with the technological partner supporting the service.Track and monitor KPIs and SLAs agreed with the partner, ensuring compliance with defined standards.Qualifications and Experience:
5 to 7 years of experience in roles related to service management and scheme fees cost optimization.Strong background in analyzing tariffs, costs, and operations associated with Card Schemes. Solid knowledge of payment platforms and banking systems for transaction processing.Proven ability to collaborate with local and regional teams in remote environments.Management consulting experience is a plus.Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (Portuguese is a strong advantage).Skills and Competencies:
Technical Skills:
Knowledge of Card Schemes’ platforms and relational databases for data exploitation.Proficiency in data analysis tools and dashboards such as SQL, Power BI, QlikView, and advanced Excel.Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for data mining and predictive analysis.Soft Skills:
Strong team leadership abilities and project management experience.Excellent communication skills for engaging with internal and external stakeholders.Strong attention to detail and analytical capabilities to interpret and present large data sets.Proactive mindset, focused on identifying opportunities and driving strategic initiatives.This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to drive meaningful cost efficiencies while supporting the strategic goals of the organization. This position will be based in Madrid.