Senior Manager, Strategy & Transformation (Payment Networks)

Highspring•Chicago, IL

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.