Director Merchant Services, Product and Portfolio Strategy

First Citizens Bank•Raleigh, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role can be hybrid or remote; it is preferred that the candidate be located within commuting distance to Raleigh, NC. The Director Merchant Service, Product and Portfolio Strategy leads the strategic direction, growth initiatives, and client experience for the Merchant Services business. This will align to the General Bank but will support the enterprise which includes consumer and commercial banking business units and clients. The role is responsible for developing business growth strategies, strategic partnerships, product commercialization, and go-to-market initiatives that strengthen the Bank’s competitive position and drive sustainable revenue growth. Leads teams responsible for client experience, product strategy, commercialization, and strategic partnerships while partnering across Sales, Operations, Risk, Finance, Technology, and external partners to execute enterprise growth initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree and 10 years' experience OR High School Diploma or GED/Equivalent and 14 years' experience in Financial Services to include Strategy leadership
Builds Productive Relationships
Customer Alignment
Commercial Thinking
Industry Awareness
External Market Knowledge
Drive Strategic Direction

Nice To Haves

Experience in Merchant Services, Treasury Management, Payments, Card, Small Business, and Banking
Certified Payment Professional
Certified Treasury Professional
Self-starter
Collaborator
Attention to detail
Strong communication skills both oral and written
Builds strong relationships with team and business partners
Deep connections in payments industry

Responsibilities

Develops and executes business growth strategies that increase Merchant Services revenue, expand market presence, and improve competitive positioning.
Identifies and develops strategic partnerships, referral channels, ISV relationships, and new go-to-market opportunities.
Leads business planning, market assessments, competitive analysis, and strategic initiatives that support long-term business objectives.
Partners with executive leadership prioritize investments and growth opportunities across the Merchant Services portfolio.
Leads product strategy and commercialization activities across the Merchant Services portfolio, ensuring products and services align with client needs and market opportunities.
Oversee product lifecycle management, commercialization planning, client experience strategy, Voice of the Client programs, and client retention initiatives.
Collaborate with Sales Enablement, Sales, Technology, and Operations to successfully launch and optimize products and solutions.
Leads cross-functional strategic initiatives involving Sales, Operations, Technology, Risk, Finance, and external partners.
Provides executive leadership for business transformation initiatives, strategic partnerships, client experience improvements, and product commercialization efforts.
Establish strategic priorities and success metrics while partnering with Business Operations to ensure effective execution and performance measurement.
Establishes departmental objectives and performance expectations aligned with business strategy.
Leads, develops, coaches, and evaluates assigned staff while fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Supports succession planning, talent development, and organizational effectiveness.