Director, APN Network Management - London

Western Union; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global payment company is seeking an experienced Director of APN Network Management to drive the strategy and governance of their Account Payment Network. This role involves leading a high-performing global team, establishing key performance indicators, and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance payment solutions. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in financial services, including leadership in partnership management. The position promotes diversity and a hybrid work model.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Comprehensive life & medical cover

Contributory pension plan

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of partnership management experience in financial services, preferably payments.
• 5+ years managing teams.
• Strong business development skills, including contract negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and operational framework for the APN banking network.
• Build and manage a high-performing global product team.
• Establish and monitor SLAs, KPIs, and OKRs.

Skills

Partnership management

Business development

Project management

Communication skills

Technological proficiency

Education

Undergraduate or graduate degree

Job description

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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave – plus 8 public holidays
• Comprehensive life & medical cover – including dependents
• Contributory pension plan

Company Culture & Commitment to Diversity

Western Union values in‑person collaboration, learning, and ideation whenever possible. Our Hybrid Work Model enables employees to divide their time between working from home and working from an office location. The expectation is to work from the office a minimum of three days a week. We are passionate about diversity. 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, colour, 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, in accordance with applicable laws.