Head of Payment Network Office & Strategic Partnerships

Wells Fargo•Irving, TX

1d•$250,000 - $420,000

About The Position

Wells Fargo is seeking a Managing Director to lead the Enterprise Payment Network Office (PNO) and Strategic Payments Partnerships, reporting directly to the Head of Merchant Services. This executive will serve as the enterprise leader responsible for maximizing the value of Wells Fargo’s payment network relationships, scaling embedded finance distribution, and delivering on the firm’s platform and partnership strategy across the payments ecosystem. The role sits at the center of a rapidly evolving landscape and is accountable for aligning external partnerships (networks, platforms, fintechs) with internal priorities across Business Units to drive growth, innovation, and competitive differentiation.

Requirements

10+ years of Product Management experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
6+ years of Management experience

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated success leading enterprise partnerships and driving strategic business outcomes
Deep expertise in: Payment networks (Visa, Mastercard), Merchant acquiring and payments ecosystem dynamics, Embedded finance and ISV/ISO channels models
Proven track record negotiating complex, high-value commercial agreements
Strong understanding of: Payments economics (interchange, incentives, pricing structures), Regulatory and third-party risk frameworks
Experience influencing C-suite stakeholders and external executive partners
Familiarity with leading platforms and competitors (e.g., Stripe, Adyen, Fiserv, Square)

Responsibilities

Serve as the enterprise executive owner of relationships with Visa, Mastercard, and other payment networks
Define and execute network partnership strategy, including: Contract negotiation and governance, Incentive optimization and financial performance tracking, Strategic alignment on network capabilities and innovation initiatives
Influence network product roadmaps, programs, and investments to align with Wells Fargo priorities
Ensure enterprise adherence to network rules, compliance requirements, and industry changes
Lead engagement with key ecosystem partners, including: Payment processors and platform providers (e.g., Fiserv, FIS), Embedded finance platforms and fintechs (e.g., Stripe, Adyen), Distribution partners (ISVs, ISOs)
Structure and negotiate complex, multi-year commercial agreements and partnership models
Define build vs. partner vs. enable strategies across payment platforms and capabilities
Identify and scale new growth opportunities through embedded payments, platform enablement, and fintech collaboration.
Lead the development and execution of Wells Fargo’s embedded finance strategy, enabling partners to integrate financial services into their platforms
Define enterprise frameworks for ISV, ISO and marketplace partnerships
Drive expansion of platform-based distribution models, positioning Wells Fargo within embedded ecosystems
Represent Wells Fargo in industry forums, executive councils, and strategic partner discussions
Partner with leaders across Merchant Services, Product, Technology, Risk, and Lines of Business to ensure alignment and adoption of network and platform capabilities
Establish governance and reporting frameworks to track: Financial outcomes (incentives, revenue impact, cost optimization), Strategic partnership performance, Enterprise adoption and value realization
Drive cross-functional coordination, breaking down silos to maximize enterprise value
Ensure alignment with payment network rules, regulatory requirements, and third-party risk management standards
Identify and mitigate strategic, operational, and reputational risks across external partnerships and platform models
Partner with Risk, Legal, and Compliance to navigate evolving regulatory expectations in payments and embedded finance
Lead and scale a high-performing team across partnership management, strategy, and governance functions
Build enterprise capabilities in: Network strategy, Embedded finance models, Platform partnerships
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and enterprise-first thinking
Develop next-generation leadership talent aligned to long-term business strategy