Director, Bank Partnerships

Summary

Join Marqeta's Partner Operations team as Director of Bank Partnerships to cultivate and manage relationships with existing and prospective bank partners globally. You will be the primary contact for bank partners, driving program growth and ensuring smooth operations. This leadership role involves launching new client programs and product features, shaping international expansion strategies, and leveraging expertise in international card issuance. The ideal candidate possesses a proven track record in building and managing successful bank partnerships within financial services or fintech, exceptional organizational skills, and excellent communication abilities. You will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, contract negotiations, financial optimization, and cross-functional collaboration. The position requires a data-driven approach and strategic thinking to drive business outcomes.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in financial services, partnership management, business development, or similar roles. We need someone who has specifically worked in the launch of credit, debit and other payment solutions into international markets
• Strong knowledge of Visa and MasterCard rules governing international card issuance (including MMP and CCAU) and ability to fully research rules governing card issuance within a specific international country
• Proven experience in leading and managing strategic partnerships at a senior level. Strong ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex relationships, and drive results
• Extensive experience in negotiating commercial agreements, managing contract terms, and optimising financial outcomes for the company
• Ability to develop and execute complex, long-term strategies that align with organisational goals. Must have a data-driven approach and be comfortable working with senior leadership to drive business outcomes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively to internal teams and external partners
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Relationship Management: Act as the primary liaison between Marqeta and existing bank issuing partners, fostering strong, collaborative relationships. Regularly communicate with bank partners to understand their needs, address concerns, and help drive program performance
• Product launch and Development: Collaborate with bank partners and internal product development teams to launch new products and features that meet market/client demands
• International Expansion: Work with internal product and network partnership teams to identify strategies for international expansion including identifying and cultivating bank partnerships within the targeted international markets
• Operational Oversight: Oversee day to day responsibilities, including invoice validation, audit coordination and customer service/regulatory escalations. Monitor and report on bank partnerships, identifying areas for improvement and growth
• Contractual Oversight & Negotiations: Lead the negotiation and management of contracts, ensuring favourable terms for the company, minimising risk, and ensuring contractual obligations are met. Collaborate with legal and other teams to facilitate smooth contract execution
• Economic Optimisation: Drive the company’s financial success through careful management of partnership terms, incentives, and compensation structures. Analyse and optimise the financial terms of each agreement to maximise profitability
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams, including sales, product, legal, and marketing, to ensure effective execution of partnership initiatives
• Performance Metrics & Reporting: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the success of bank partnerships. Regularly report on performance, identify challenges, and implement strategies to continuously improve outcomes
• Market Intelligence: Stay informed of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor activities that could impact the bank partnership landscape. Maintain expertise in international rules governing card issuance and be capable of fully researching rules and alternatives specific to an international market

Benefits

• Premium Private Medical and Dental coverage
• Generous time off program with additional “Floating Holiday days”
• Retirement savings program with company contribution
• Equity in a publicly-traded company and an Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Monthly stipend to support our remote work model
• Annual development stipend to support our people growth and development
• Family-forming benefits and up to 20 weeks of Parental Leave
• Wellbeing programs i.e. Modern Health, HealthKick and much more…