The Role:

The Senior Lead Strategy & Planning Consultant serves as a project lead and execution-focused team member to the Payments Strategy, Partnerships & Channels Director, supporting the development, execution, and governance of enterprise payment channel strategies, business development initiatives, and strategic partnership activities. This role translates market opportunities, industry developments, and business priorities into actionable initiatives that drive growth, innovation, and competitive positioning across the payments ecosystem.

Working across Product, Technology, Treasury Management, Sales, Operations, Risk, Compliance, Finance, and external partners, this role will help shape strategic direction, build business cases, manage strategic initiatives, and drive execution of key channel and partnership priorities. The role requires strong analytical thinking and rigor, executive communication skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across a highly matrixed environment.

Scope of Responsibilities:

Payments Strategy, Channels & Growth Initiatives

• Support the development and execution of payment channel strategies across digital, API, online banking, treasury management, embedded finance, and emerging payment platforms.

• Identify and assess growth opportunities that enhance payment capabilities, client experience, adoption, revenue generation, and market expansion.

• Conduct market, client, competitive, and financial analyses to support strategic decision-making and prioritization.

• Develop business cases, operating models, and strategic recommendations that align with enterprise and line-of-business objectives.

• Partner with Product, Technology, Sales, Treasury Management, Operations, Risk, Compliance, and Finance teams to advance strategic initiatives and deliver scalable solutions.

• Strategic Partnerships & Industry Engagement

• Support the Director in managing relationships with payment networks, clearinghouses, fintechs, platform providers, industry associations, standards organizations, and strategic vendors.

• Evaluate partnership opportunities and conduct strategic, financial, operational, and competitive assessments to determine business value and alignment.

• Assist with contract reviews, business negotiations, performance monitoring, and ongoing partnership governance activities.

• Research emerging market trends and industry developments to identify potential opportunities, risks, and strategic implications.

Strategic Planning & Market Intelligence

• Monitor regulatory, competitive, economic, technology, and industry developments impacting payments and transaction banking.

• Synthesize complex market intelligence into actionable insights, executive-level presentations, and strategic recommendations.

• Support annual strategic planning, roadmap development, investment prioritization, and business performance reviews.

• Develop executive communications and materials for senior leadership, governance forums, and strategic decision-making discussions.

Program Leadership & Execution

• Lead complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives from planning through implementation.

• Establish project governance, success metrics, executive reporting, and stakeholder communication plans.

• Drive alignment across multiple teams to ensure strategic priorities are executed on time and achieve intended business outcomes.

• Identify risks, dependencies, and implementation challenges and partner with stakeholders to develop mitigation strategies.

• Measure initiative performance and provide recommendations for continuous improvement and future investment opportunities.

Required Qualifications:  

• 7+ years of Strategy and Planning experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education

• 7+ years of Payment Partnerships and Channels experience or similar management consulting experience

Desired Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience leading complex strategic initiatives, transformational programs, or enterprise projects.

• Experience influencing senior leaders and driving outcomes within large, matrixed organizations.

• Experience in payments, transaction banking, treasury management, financial services, fintech, business development, product strategy, consulting, or strategic partnerships.

• Knowledge of ACH, wire, RTP, FedNow, card payments, APIs, digital channels, treasury management, and emerging payment technologies.

• Experience supporting payment channel strategies, growth initiatives, or product roadmaps across digital, commercial, treasury, or API-based payment platforms.

• Strong business case development, financial analysis, strategic planning, and executive storytelling capabilities.

• Experience assessing market opportunities, competitive dynamics, customer needs, and industry trends to inform strategic recommendations.

• Experience supporting or managing strategic partnerships with networks, fintechs, technology providers, vendors, or industry organizations.

• Strong relationship management, negotiation support, stakeholder management, and influence skills.

• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving Product, Technology, Operations, Risk, Compliance, and Finance partners.

• Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively with executive leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with execution excellence and results delivery.

Job Expectations:

• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

• This position offers a hybrid work schedule.

• This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Posting Location(s):

• 401 S Tryon St. – Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

• 333 Market St. – San Francisco, California 94105

Required locations listed.  

Pay Range

Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.

Posting End Date:

*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.