Head of Card Issuing and Merchant Acquiring Germany

General information

Job ID
37340
Area
Investment Banking Products
Start Date
01.05.2025
Contract
Permanent
Working Time Model
Full-time/Part-time
Location(s)
München |

Payments Solutions Germany in strict coordination with GPS H.Q. steers the execution of the Group strategy in the areas of Transactional Payments, 
Cash Management, Acquiring and Issuing in respect of all customers under the coverage responsibility of UniCredit Bank GmbH , ensuring we are positioned to offer competitive and 
cutting-edge products and services, in line with market and technological trends and competitive landscape developments.

What you can expect from us

The Head of Card Issuing and Merchant Acquiring will coordinate the strategic development, operational excellence, and growth of the organization’s Card Issuing and Merchant Acquiring business. 

This managerial role requires a deep understanding of card payment-based ecosystems, customer needs, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements to drive innovation, profitability, and customer satisfaction in strict coordination with GPS guidelines and strategy.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Define and execute the overall strategy for Card Issuing.
  • Define and execute new strategic steps within Merchant Acquiring spaces.
  • Align business objectives with organizational goals, market trends and competitive landscape.
  • Develop growth initiatives targeting in strict coordination with Sales customer acquisition and customer retention.
  • Oversee the design, development, and deployment of innovative card products and merchant solutions to deliver innovation even in the landscape of Mastercard cooperation.
  • Ensure a seamless, secure, and efficient experience for cardholders and merchants.
  • Drive revenue generation and optimize profitability across Issuing and Acquiring portfolios including deep assessment of active and passive commissions in strict coordination with Accounting, Planning and Cost Management.
  • Develop pricing strategies, partnership agreements, and operational efficiencies to enhance margins.
  • Ensure sales coordination of Issuing and Acquiring products leveraging on different UniCredit Bank gmbh channels. 
  • Ensure customer-centric service delivery through user-friendly solutions, robust support, and value-added offerings.
  • Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and industry standards (e.g., PCI DSS, PSD2).
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of professionals / specialists in the card-based payments domain composed from Senior and Junior profiles.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with IT, sales, operations, CRM, finance, accounting planning and external stakeholders and partners to achieve objectives.
  • Prepare business and commercial reports and insights for senior management and board-level discussions.
  • Process management and provider management as additional parts of the job content is required.

What we expect from you

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, Finance, Technology, or related fields.
  • 10+ years of experience in Card Issuing, Merchant Acquiring, or payments industry.
  • Direct experience in Card Issuing and/or Merchant Acquiring in the German market.
  • Proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence in payments preferably in an international environment and / or financial – banking industry
  • Strong knowledge of card-based payment systems, regulatory environments, and emerging trends at local and continental levels.
  • Leadership, communication, and stakeholder management are core skills needed to coordinate the team and dialogue with different part of the Group organization.
  • Capability to drive complex projects and diversified initiatives in the Issuing and Acquiring spaces within the overall banking transformation to Digital. 
  • Strong managerial skills to deliver business performances and product innovation through the coordination of Card Issuing team and Merchant Acquiring team.
  • Proven track to deal with International Card Schemes (e.g. Visa, Mastercard, JBL, Amex etc.) and third parties (e.g. processors)

Our offer to you

• Being part of the development and growth of UniCredit Bank S.p.A. and contributing to designing the transformation of the company's payments strategy • Working on topics with key and growing strategic focus for UniCredit Group and contributing to the strategic evolution of the related customer product and service offering • Working in a continuously evolving dynamic international environment, as part of an inspired and well-diversified team • Visibility to support future professional development prospects.

UniCredit is built on Integrity, Ownership and Caring. Living these Values authentically means doing what is right for our colleagues, clients, and communities. We are a pan-European Commercial Bank with a unique service offering in Italy, Germany, Central and Eastern Europe. We serve over 15 million customers worldwide and our strength comes from the impact we can make on those people’s lives and on our environment.

Rooted in our company’s Purpose is helping our communities to progress, not only through our differentiated products and services, but also through our investments aimed at building a sustainable future for our communities and strengthening their financial well-being. Moreover we contribute to addressing the climate and environmental crisis by minimizing our carbon footprint and helping our customers and communities do the same.

Our colleagues are critical to the success of our Purpose. They are the driving force behind the impact we make in the communities we serve. When you join UniCredit, you become part of an international, inclusive and diverse community that leverages on “diversity of thought", regardless of gender identity, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability or cultural background.

As you grow in our company, we back you up through a common Culture of learning and collaboration, benefits, programs, and flexibility that support you personally and professionally.

Because we believe that the best way to make a difference in our client’s life is to make a difference in the life of our people.

Discover more about our Culture and Purpose and our ESG commitments.

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