Director, Payments Product-3 month term-(Hybrid)

Central 1 cooperatively empowers credit unions and other financial institutions to deliver banking choice to Canadians. Central 1 provides critical services at scale to enable a thriving credit union system. We do this by collaborating with our clients, developing strategies, products and services to support the financial well-being of their more than 5 million diverse customers in communities across Canada. For more information, visit . What we offer: Work-life flexibility Hybrid work environment Variable annual incentive plan Generous annual vacation allotment Top-notch flexible benefits plan including family building and gender affirmation Retirement Plan, matched contributions at 6% Access to a learning platform and educational assistance support Access to a virtual wellness platform Career development opportunities Wellness Flex Fund to support personal interest and activities Day off to volunteer in your community and other paid time off options Corporate discounts *subject to employment agreement Job Summary: The Director, Payments is a strategic leadership role within the Payments Product team, focused on shaping the future of payments across the Canadian credit union ecosystem. In this 3-month contract opportunity, you will lead high-profile modernization initiatives, influence industry-wide change, and help drive the evolution of Central 1's payments strategy and roadmap. This role is responsible for advancing key payments transformation programs, including Real-Time Rail (RTR), while partnering with senior leaders, clients, and industry stakeholders to navigate emerging opportunities, regulatory changes, and market trends. You will play a critical role in prioritizing strategic initiatives, strengthening client relationships, and ensuring credit unions are prepared for industry mandates such as RTR and FSRB. Working across Product, Client Engagement, Marketing & Communications, Technology & Operations, Delivery, Fraud, and Compliance, you will bring teams together to drive alignment, support change readiness, and deliver meaningful outcomes for clients and the broader payments ecosystem. Reporting to the Acting Head of Payments, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact during a pivotal period of industry transformation. What you'll be doing: Lead critical workstreams to support delivery of multi-year regulatory and industry mandated programs including Real Time Rails and Future State of Retail Batch ensuring alignment across external and internal stakeholder change management, industry communications in partnership with MarComm, Account Engagement Other projects as assigned. Identify opportunities for product innovation/features that will enhance the member experience and drive commercial value for Central 1 Payments and its clients. Work with cross-functional teams to deliver new products and services and roll out new products and services to the credit union system. Partner with Marketing Communications, Client Engagement and Business Development teams to contribute to initiatives driving business growth and client education of trends and regulatory changes. Partner with Payments Product leadership to shape the medium‑ and long-term product vision, integrating client insights, market trends, regulatory requirements, and commercial. Contribute to building a high performance best in class product org including people management and development of product manager (direct report), overseeing their deliverables to successful outcome Own end‑to‑end strategy and execution of the Strategic Advisory Council, elevating it as a premier forum for industry intelligence, client engagement, and roadmap validation. Partner with Payments Product leadership to shape the medium‑ and long-term product vision, integrating client insights, market trends, regulatory requirements, and commercial What you'll have: Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 7+ years of experience in a related role, preferably in Payments Strategy, Payments Product Management, or a similar discipline. Strong understanding of the Canadian payments landscape, including regulatory developments and their impact on credit unions, challenger banks, and the broader financial services industry. Experience contributing to or leading payments modernization initiatives, such as Real-Time Rail (RTR), is considered an asset. Demonstrated ability to think strategically, conceptually, and analytically to identify opportunities and develop product solutions that address client needs and market demands. Proven experience gathering, analyzing, and communicating customer feedback, product requirements, usability challenges, and enhancement opportunities. Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, industry partners, vendors, leadership teams, and executive audiences. Strong research and analytical capabilities, leveraging both quantitative data and qualitative insights to support decision-making and product strategy. Experience developing executive-level presentations and supporting leadership participation in industry forums and external engagements. Ability to balance customer experience, business objectives, and regulatory requirements when evaluating opportunities and recommending solutions. Adaptable and effective in evolving regulatory, market, and organizational environments. Capable of managing both strategic priorities and detailed execution while maintaining a focus on overall business objectives. Self-motivated and able to make sound business decisions with limited supervision and guidance. Exceptional relationship-building, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, combined with a high degree of intellectual curiosity. Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with the ability to influence and drive outcomes across cross-functional teams. Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment. Experience working with payments networks, industry associations, or related organizations is an asset. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Copilot, and other productivity tools. Hourly: $90.00-$100.00 The hourly rate represents the job rate determined for the successful candidate who is fully competent in the role. The actual salary will vary depending on market conditions and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. #LI-Hybrid Central 1 does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to screen, assess, or select applicants during our recruitment process. This job posting is for an existing, specific vacancy within our organization. All applications will be considered exclusively for the position described in this posting. Central 1 is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building an inclusive workforce by creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong and has the opportunity to be successful. We welcome all applicants to join our diverse workforce and we will provide an accessible candidate experience including, but not limited to accommodations to interview sites and alternate formats upon request to our Recruitment team.