Cost & Strategic Processing Relationship Manager

ACI Worldwide•NE, United States

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

ACI powers the payments ecosystem – globally, and you power ACI. You’ll innovate, collaborate, and grow – in an energetic technology culture with decades of proven success. ACIers – in all roles and levels – are truly your colleagues and many are your friends. Our size and reach allow you to see the global impact of your work. You are visible, your talents are valued, and you are empowered to shape the future of payments. Job Purpose Own and manage strategic relationships that support ACI’s core payment processing and card network operations, representing hundreds of millions of dollars in transaction volume. Develop and strengthen critical partner relationships; negotiate agreements that manage costs, mitigate risk, and advance business objectives; and oversee service levels, business reviews, performance scorecards, escalations, operational resilience, and contractual compliance.

Requirements

Deep knowledge of card processing, including the transaction lifecycle, processing economics, technology, participant responsibilities, and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrated success negotiating complex contracts, renewals, and service-level agreements.
Proven ability to manage complex partner relationships, hold stakeholders accountable for commitments, and drive timely escalation resolution.
Strong business judgment and the ability to apply regulatory, legal, contractual, and partner requirements to practical and hypothetical scenarios in support of business objectives.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence peers, senior leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes, evaluate options, and communicate and execute actionable recommendations.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain data integrity, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions affecting the business and its strategic partners.
Collaborative, self-directed approach with the interpersonal skills to build productive relationships across organizational levels and with external partners.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with working knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience.
8–12 years of relevant professional experience.
Strategic relationship management
Commercial negotiation and business acumen
Operational risk management
Influence and stakeholder management
Decision quality and accountability

Responsibilities

Manage strategic relationships with card networks, processors, gateway providers, disbursement providers, and alternative payment providers to facilitate payment services and ensure operational performance aligns with contractual and service-level requirements.
Lead the timely resolution of partner-related escalations by coordinating internal and external stakeholders, providing subject-matter expertise, and driving clear accountability for corrective actions.
Negotiate complex agreements and renewals, including service-level commitments, to protect ACI’s legal, financial, operational, and technical interests.
Serve as the primary subject-matter expert for internal stakeholders and external partners regarding card processing and the operational, contractual, and technical aspects of ACI’s relationships and integrations.
Coordinate responses to partner requests for audit attestations, transaction volumes, and other information required to support periodic due diligence reviews.
Conduct strategic partner reviews in accordance with ACI requirements and submission deadlines, monitoring performance, risk, and mutual compliance with contractual obligations.
Evaluate new partner products and capabilities for business viability, strategic alignment, operational readiness, and measurable value to the organization.
Partner with Product Management and cross-functional teams to define business needs and integration requirements for new partner products and client solutions, supporting effective implementation, operational efficiency, and risk reduction.
Understand and adhere to all corporate policies, including the ACI Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and comply with Risk Management program requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.