Senior Strategic Operations Lead - Charter

Mercury•Portland, OR

46d

About The Position

Mercury is pursuing a bank charter: one of the most ambitious and consequential initiatives in the company’s history. We’re looking for a Sr. Program Manager to serve as the operational backbone of this effort, working directly alongside the Bank Management Team. This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for someone who combines rigor and high-quality execution with the speed and scrappiness of a startup. You’ll own the day-to-day operating rhythm of Mercury’s charter pursuit, build the systems that give leadership visibility into how the program is actually operating, and drive execution across every cross-functional workstream. You’ll be a true thought partner to the team not just executing on their priorities, but helping shape them. If you’re a problem seeker who thrives in ambiguity, creates structure where none exists, and holds a relentlessly high quality bar, this role is for you. Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.

Requirements

7-10+ years of experience in strategy, consulting, chief of staff type role, program/project management, with exposure to regulated industries (ideally banking or fintech)
Strong cross-functional partnership skills with a proven ability to influence without authority. You create accountability with people who don’t report to you and drive alignment across teams
Success managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. You’re a bridge builder who connects strategy to execution
A problem seeker comfortable with ambiguity and skilled at creating structure where none exists
A “get things done” mentality: you dissect complex problems, identify solutions, and drive them to completion with a high degree of autonomy
Exceptional written and verbal communication: exec-ready memos, board-quality decks, investor updates, and the ability to lead a room of senior stakeholders
Extreme attention to detail with a high regard for precision
AI fluency: you actively design AI-enabled workflows to increase your leverage, automate operational work, and support scale

Nice To Haves

Experience working directly with C-suite and board
Familiarity with bank charter applications, regulatory processes, or financial institution operations
Experience building operating rhythms, OKR/goal-setting frameworks, or metrics infrastructure from scratch
Experience with cultural programs, team operations, or internal communications at a high-growth company

Responsibilities

Own day-to-day program management for Mercury’s bank charter initiative: set roadmaps, track milestones, sequence work, and drive accountability across a broad set of cross-functional stakeholders
Build and run the operating rhythm of the charter program – ensuring teams move at high velocity with clarity on priorities, owners, and timelines
Drive execution across cross-functional workstreams, translating strategy into action and ensuring follow-through on key decisions
Surface risks early and clear blockers quickly – you’ll always know where things stand, what’s at risk, and what needs to escalate
Scope and run special projects within the broader charter effort – from readiness workstreams to operational build-outs
Build and maintain systems for performance tracking, metrics reporting, and ongoing visibility into how the charter program is operating
Prepare executive status updates, board materials, and investor-grade presentations
Drive disciplined reporting cadences – ensure clarity, alignment, and transparency across all charter workstreams without introducing bureaucracy
Act as a thought partner to the bank management team
Run leadership meetings: prepare agendas, capture decisions and action items, and drive follow-through
Liaise with external consultants and outside counsel to ensure subject matter expertise is brought in at the right time and integrated effectively
Own cultural programs and initiatives that support the Charter team’s cohesion and momentum: onsites, company meeting content, pulse surveys
Be a driver of Mercury’s overall bank readiness – ensuring the organization is prepared across people, process, and technology
Design AI-enabled workflows and internal systems that support scale and reduce manual/operational work