Program Manager - Principal
Summary
Principal Program Manager driving merchant risk due diligence backlog reduction and operational transformation in EU payments compliance.
The opportunity
We are looking for a Program Manager in the Payments Merchant Risk domain, responsible for managing and reducing due diligence backlogs related to merchant onboarding and monitoring. You'll be at the heart of merchant risk and payments operations, taking ownership of ODD backlog management while driving operational transformation. The position offers high-impact visibility with measurable results, strategic ownership of backlog improvement initiatives, and exposure to complex EU regulatory environments with opportunities to drive automation and process innovation.
Day-to-day responsibilities
- Own and prioritize ODD process of merchant periodic reviews, monitor KPIs, and implement reduction strategies
- Project Management: Lead backlog reduction initiatives, define project scope and timelines, coordinate cross-functional teams
- Merchant Risk & Due Diligence: Ensure proper ODD execution, oversee of AML and comnpliance assessments
- Process Improvement: Identify inefficiencies, drive continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies
- Stakeholder Management: Act as main contact for internal teams, provide senior management updates, align departmental priorities
- Data & Reporting: Track key metrics, build dashboards, use data insights for process optimization
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to AML and card scheme rules, support audits, maintain documentation
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Who are we looking for
We look for big thinkers. People who can drive positive change, step up and show what’s next – people with passion, can-do attitude and a hunger to learn and grow. In practice this means:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in payments, risk, compliance, or operations with experience managing operational backlogs or transformation projects
- Background in merchant onboarding or due diligence is highly valued
- Knowledge of merchant risk, AML/KYC, and fraud prevention
- Proficiency with project tools (Jira, Asana), data analysis capabilities (Excel, SQL, BI dashboards), familiarity with payment platforms and risk systems.