Merchant Acquiring Risk and Governance Manager

Woodforest National Bank•The Woodlands, TX

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Merchant Acquiring Risk and Governance Manager is responsible for reviewing, monitoring and providing guidance and oversight on merchant acquiring operations conducted by the bank’s subsidiary, ISO partners, other third parties (e.g., Third Party Processors), and merchant customers while aligning with regulatory and card brand requirements. This role ensures the Bank maintains appropriate governance, risk management, and control over the bank’s subsidiary-related merchant acquiring activities, while streamlining the oversight process to avoid unnecessary operational burden and duplication.

Requirements

Business acumen with strong working knowledge of merchant acquiring operations including underwriting, risk management and compliance.
Strong ability to evaluate new business models, verticals, and partner structures from a risk and regulatory perspective.
Experience reviewing policies and governance frameworks with emphasis on clear control ownership and accountability.
Solid technology abilities, including proficiency with Microsoft applications and merchant processing systems.
Excellent communication and relationship management skills; ability to influence and present to executive stakeholders.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload, multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and strong attention to detail.
Ability to create reports and presentations for executive level audiences.
Exercises sound business judgment and independent discretion in decision making, with an ability to clearly express rationale and deliver defensible recommendations.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize data from a multiple sources and recommend appropriate actions.
Self-starter effective at working independently under minimal supervision while supporting a team environment.
5-7 years merchant acquiring industry experience with exposure to underwriting, risk management and compliance.
High school diploma or equivalent required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as the primary liaison between the bank and the bank’s subsidiary for merchant acquiring oversight matters.
Oversees the approval and challenge of underwriting decisions for merchants, ISOs and large exposures presented by the bank subsidiary.
Reviews and evaluates new business verticals proposed by the bank subsidiary, providing clear recommendations to the Director of BaaS regarding approval, conditions, or restrictions.
Develops and maintains formal risk analyses for business verticals, ISOs, and large merchants to support Bank decision-making and risk acceptance.
Oversees underwriting, risk and compliance audits to ensure compliance with bank’s underwriting policy, card brand rules and regulatory requirements.