Senior Relationship Manager

Our client — a licensed UK Electronic Money Institution (EMI) and part of a global FinTech group — is looking for a seasoned Senior Visa/Mastercard Relationship Business Manager to lead strategic initiatives with global card networks. With over 18 years of expertise in acquiring, cross-border payments, and infrastructure development, the company is scaling its international reach and direct scheme access — and they need the right leader to make it count. This is a high-impact role for someone with deep knowledge of scheme operations, product innovation, and partnership development.

If you're ready to own strategic relationships and drive real change in payments — let’s talk. 🔍 Responsibilities: Act as the primary point of contact for all Visa and Mastercard initiatives tied to acquiring services. Lead projects across tokenization, recurring billing, cross-border capabilities, SCA exemptions, and payout functionality. Interpret and operationalize scheme mandates and updates into business-wide initiatives. Oversee scheme participation processes, including program registration, BIN management, and Tier 2 MCC approvals. Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Compliance, Legal, Risk, and Tech to ensure smooth execution and delivery.

Unlock growth opportunities via joint initiatives with the schemes — especially in verticals like travel, digital wallets, and fintech. Represent the company in scheme-level planning, working groups, and strategic reviews. Monitor scheme KPIs, performance metrics, fee structures, and partnership health. 🎓 Requirements: 5+ years of experience in EMI, acquiring, PSP, or card scheme relationship management roles. In-depth knowledge of scheme operations, compliance frameworks, fraud/dispute processes, and settlement cycles. Proven track record launching scheme-based products (e. g. Visa Direct, MDES, SCA logic, ABU). Experience managing executive-level stakeholders and direct scheme relationships. Fluent English communication and presentation skills.

Prior experience with FCA-regulated entities is a strong plus. Strategic thinker with the ability to work autonomously in a remote-first environment. ✨ The Employer Offers: A leadership role owning Visa/Mastercard strategy for a UK-licensed EMI backed by a global fintech infrastructure. Direct access to scheme connectivity and a scalable, multi-jurisdictional payments platform. Influence over the product roadmap and future-facing scheme innovation. Competitive compensation (from 3. 500 EUR / month) and bonus potential. Flexible remote or hybrid working model (Cyprus / Riga / remote). A fast-moving international environment with growth opportunities across regions.