Program Manager Payments (Hands-On Acquirer + Issuer Implementation)

This role is for someone who has personally implemented card acquiring and card issuing (virtual card) platforms end-to-end.
If your experience is limited to vendor coordination, high-level oversight, or roadmap tracking only, this role is not a fit.
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Role Summary
We are looking for a hands-on Program Manager who has already delivered an integrated acquirer ledger issuer virtual card supplier payment solution in production.
You will lead execution, but you must deeply understand the mechanics, tradeoffs, and failure modes because internal expertise is limited.
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What You Must Have Done (Non-Negotiable)
Candidates must have personally:
Implemented card acquiring (customer card acceptance)
Implemented card issuing / virtual cards
Worked through interchange optimization decisions
Designed or influenced ledger + reconciliation flows
Taken a payments solution from design certification production
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Key Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end implementation of:
o Card acquirer integration
o Virtual card issuing platform
o Funding, settlement, and reconciliation flows
Translate business intent into actual payment flows
Drive decisions on:
o MCC configuration and controls
o Interchange optimization strategies
o Authorization, clearing, settlement mechanics
Own failure scenarios:
o Partial captures
o Authorization mismatches
o Settlement timing gaps
o Reconciliation breaks
Partner with Finance on:
o Daily settlement
o Fee attribution
o Ledger accuracy
Guide Engineering using real-world experience, not theory
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Required Experience
8 12+ years in payments / fintech
Direct implementation experience with:
o Card acquirers
o Issuing platforms (virtual cards)
Deep, practical knowledge of:
o Interchange (not just definitions real cost tradeoffs)
o MCC enforcement and misuse risks
o Scheme fees, cross-border fees, FX leakage
Experience owning:
o Reconciliation logic
o Exception handling
o Payment reporting
Comfortable reviewing API specs, payment flows, and settlement files
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Strongly Preferred
Experience in travel, OTA, marketplaces, or supplier payments
Experience where acquirer issuer
Experience working with thin margins and cost pressure
Experience cleaning up or fixing broken payment implementations