Senior Manager, Strategy & Transformation (Payment Networks)

Highspring; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 143,192 - 244,442; Full time

Job summary

Highspring in McLean, Virginia, is seeking a Senior Manager for Financial Services Payment Networks. This role involves delivering strategic advice and leading transformation programs for financial service firms. The ideal candidate has 8+ years of experience in finance and operations, and a proven ability to work with C-level executives.

The position offers a competitive compensation range of $143,192 to $244,442 along with potential bonuses based on performance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of applicable Finance, Operations, or Business Transformation experience.
• Experience within a global financial service firm, retail banking, or payment networks.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale transformation projects.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strategic advice to senior executives on major investments.
• Lead payment network integration and transformation programs.
• Manage project teams and client stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Financial services expertise

Operational risk management

Interpersonal skills

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Education

BA/BS in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Financial modeling software

Job description

Senior Manager, Financial Services Payment Networks

Transform Your Career

We deliver unparalleled opportunities for growth and career advancement. Our dynamic, entrepreneurial culture supports your journey every step of the way.

Embrace new challenges and deliver real value to some of the world’s most influential brokerage, insurance, and financial services organizations, as well as Fortune 100 brands, growth companies transforming their industries, and mid-market firms navigating defining moments of their lifecycle. Work side by side with business leaders to solve complex client challenges and make a true impact. Love what you do as part of a diverse organization committed to collaboration and continuous learning.

The Team – Strategy Technology & Transformation

Join a team of talented professionals with deep business and finance transformation experience to guide clients through major transactions (M&A, carve‑outs, IPOs), new system implementations, and organizational challenges. We help organizations develop business strategy and execute on transformation initiatives in the areas of operational accounting, financial process improvement, financial technology enablement, FP&A, and transactions.

Your Impact

• Work within our Financial Services vertical, delivering strategic advice and solutions to senior and C‑Level executives on how to obtain value from major investments and transformations.
• Drive GTM strategies for payment‑network lines of business at large financial service firms—prioritize high‑value markets, define country‑level network acceptance models, ensure operational readiness, and navigate regulatory compliance
• Lead large‑scale integration and transformation programs, managing 10+ workstreams across legal, HR, risk, finance, and operations
• Develop and execute integrated implementation plans, ensuring alignment across all stakeholders
• dentify and manage critical path dependencies, risks, and regulatory constraints
• Partner with senior client stakeholders to drive decision‑making and resolve conflicting priorities
• Provide strategic guidance balancing risk, cost, speed, and regulatory compliance
• Facilitate client working sessions ranging from executive and board‑level meetings to large group presentations and requirements gathering exercises.
• Leverage a ‘roll‑up your sleeves’ style to develop and execute against clients’ strategic initiatives.
• Manage and coach project teams to deliver complex engagements.
• Support clients involved in major transactions (M&A, carve‑outs, IPO), financial process improvement, system implementation, operational accounting challenges, and financial technology enablement.
• Play an active role in business development efforts across all stages (market analysis, client sourcing, relationship building, proposal development, oral presentations).
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with clients at all levels that are based on integrity and trust.
• Contribute perspectives on the implications of market trends such as data and digital transformation, emerging technology, macro‑economic trends, and regulatory demands.

Your Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related discipline
• 8+ years of applicable Finance, Operations, or Business Transformation experience with at least 5 years of financial services experience
• Experience within a global financial service firm, retail banking, or payment networks
• Proven track record leading large‑scale transformation or go‑to‑market programs
• Strong background in operational risk and regulatory frameworks
• Demonstrated track record helping companies undergo major transformations
• Prior experience working directly with and advising C‑Level executives, including experience presenting complex ideas and facilitating executive workshops
• Experience leading project teams across multiple workstreams
• Experience coaching and developing junior team members
• Highly effective interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Willingness to travel at least 30% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration (may substitute for business‑related undergraduate degree)
• At least one of the following certifications is preferred: CPA, PMP
• Progressive responsibility in managing client relationships and achievement against business development goals
• Familiarity with payment network transaction flows and settlement processes
• Experience with regulatory approvals, legal entity structuring, and intercompany agreements

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Highspring believes that the following salary range reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure to be between the range below. The individual may also be eligible for a variety of bonus and financial incentives based on individual and company performance.

Base Compensation Range: $143,192 USD - $244,442 USD