Senior Program Manager, Global Operations

Nelnet Servicing•Lincoln, NE

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Nelnet Business Services (NBS), a division of Nelnet, Inc., provides payment technology and education services to higher education institutions, K-12 schools, and individuals around the world. The Senior Program Manager, International supports the launch, expansion, stabilization, and ongoing success of NBS's international businesses. Reporting to the Managing Director of International, this cross-functional business and operational leader translates international growth priorities into executable plans and ensures new and existing markets have the corporate support, infrastructure, processes, and resources needed to operate successfully. The role emphasizes program execution and business operational support rather than direct sales ownership. The position works across business development, operations, finance, technology, product, legal, compliance, HR, and other corporate functions to coordinate complex global initiatives, remove barriers, manage dependencies, and establish sustainable operating models. It supports strategic priorities including market expansion, partnerships, operational transformation, new capabilities, and integration activities. Up to 35% global travel is required. The position offers a hybrid work option: associates living within 30 miles of an office may work remotely for part of the week and are expected to be in the office three days per week. Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, international business, operations, finance, or a related field.
At least 8 years of progressive experience in program management, business operations, corporate business development, strategy, international expansion, or related roles.
Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Experience supporting new business launches, market expansion, operational transformation, or business stabilization.
Strong business acumen and ability to understand commercial opportunities and translate them into operational requirements and execution plans.
Up to 35% global travel is required.
Must already be authorized to work in the United States without needing current or future visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience within SaaS, fintech, education technology, financial services, payments, or similarly complex technology-enabled businesses.
International business experience.
Experience supporting businesses or operations across multiple global regions, particularly Australia and New Zealand, India, Singapore, Canada, Europe, or Latin America.
Experience navigating the operational, regulatory, cultural, and organizational complexities of conducting business across multiple countries.

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional programs supporting the launch, expansion, and stabilization of international businesses.
Translate international growth opportunities into actionable plans with clear milestones, dependencies, decision points, and ownership.
Coordinate operational readiness across finance, HR, legal, compliance, technology, product, banking, contracting, and operations.
Identify barriers, risks, and dependencies, and drive cross-functional decisions and issues through resolution.
Establish scalable operating models, governance, reporting, and business rhythms that support sustainable international operations.
Identify operational gaps and scalability challenges, and develop repeatable global processes and playbooks that accommodate local market requirements.
Connect international business leaders and corporate functions to align priorities and accelerate execution.
Support business development and market expansion by assessing operational feasibility, organizational readiness, and requirements for new markets, partnerships, and opportunities.
Lead strategic programs involving market expansion, partnerships, operational transformation, new capabilities, and integration activities.
Partner with the Managing Director of International on strategic priorities, business cases, implementation roadmaps, executive updates, and recommendations.