Head of Sales & Partnerships – SME merchants in London

www.cardandpaymentjobs.com; London, Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth fintech payments business in London is seeking a Head of Sales & Partnerships to drive new merchant acquisition and scale partner channels. The role involves owning the full sales lifecycle, shaping strategy, and leading high-performing teams. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in sales leadership within payments and a proven ability to close complex deals. This positions offers a unique chance to influence the company's growth during its next expansion phase.

Qualifications

• 7+ years' experience in senior sales and partnership leadership within payments.
• Track record of closing complex merchant and ISV deals.
• Strong knowledge of digital payments and partnership ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Own the full sales lifecycle from lead generation to deal closing.
• Lead and mentor sales and partnership teams.
• Drive merchant acquisition via direct sales and partnerships.

Skills

Senior sales leadership

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Team building

Digital payments knowledge

Job description

Head of Sales & Partnerships – SME merchants

We’re looking for an ambitious Head of Sales & Partnerships to lead commercial growth at a high-growth fintech payments business. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for driving new merchant acquisition, scaling partner channels, and building a world-class sales organisation.

This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of sales and partnerships at a fast-scaling payments business. You’ll shape strategy, lead a growing team, and directly influence the company’s next phase of expansion. If you’re a results-driven commercial leader who thrives on building teams and closing deals, we’d love to hear from you

Job Scope

As Head of Sales & Partnerships, you’ll own the full sales lifecycle — from lead generation through to deal closing — and lead all commercial initiatives across both direct merchant sales and strategic partnerships. You’ll shape go-to-market strategies, manage high-performing teams, and ensure our payment solutions are aligned with client needs.

Reporting directly to the Chief Revenue Officer, you’ll also work closely with product, marketing, and client success to drive company-wide growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and deliver a sales and partnerships strategy that meets ambitious revenue targets.
• Lead, mentor, and grow sales and partnership teams, setting clear KPIs and objectives.
• Drive merchant acquisition in key SMB verticals via direct sales and partner introductions.
• Develop and scale ISV and technology partnership programmes.
• Oversee affiliate and referral networks to increase inbound opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align sales, product, and marketing efforts.
• Report regularly to the executive team on performance, pipeline, and growth forecasts.

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years’ experience in senior sales and partnership leadership within payments.
• Track record of closing complex merchant and ISV deals in a high-growth environment.
• Strong knowledge of digital payments, merchant services, and partnership ecosystems.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
• Empathetic leadership style with proven success in building and motivating high-performing teams.
• Analytical, data-driven, and commercially minded.
• Comfortable with regular travel to meet clients and partners.