Head of Payment Network Office & Strategic Partnerships

Job description

About this role: Wells Fargo is seeking a Managing Director to lead the Enterprise Payment Network Office (PNO) and Strategic Payments Partnerships, reporting directly to the Head of Merchant Services. This executive will serve as the enterprise leader responsible for maximizing the value of Wells Fargo’s payment network relationships, scaling embedded finance distribution, and delivering on the firm’s platform and partnership strategy across the payments ecosystem. The role sits at the center of a rapidly evolving landscape and is accountable for aligning external partnerships (networks, platforms, fintechs) with internal priorities across Business Units to drive growth, innovation, and competitive differentiation. Key Responsibilities 1. Payment Network Office (PNO) Leadership Serve as the enterprise executive owner of relationships with Visa, Mastercard, and other payment networks Define and execute network partnership strategy, including: Contract negotiation and governance Incentive optimization and financial performance tracking Strategic alignment on network capabilities and innovation initiatives Influence network product roadmaps, programs, and investments to align with Wells Fargo priorities Ensure enterprise adherence to network rules, compliance requirements, and industry changes 2. Strategic Payments Partnerships & Platform Ecosystem Lead engagement with key ecosystem partners, including: Payment processors and platform providers (e.g., Fiserv, FIS) Embedded finance platforms and fintechs (e.g., Stripe, Adyen) Distribution partners (ISVs, ISOs) Structure and negotiate complex, multi-year commercial agreements and partnership models Define build vs. partner vs. enable strategies across payment platforms and capabilities Identify and scale new growth opportunities through embedded payments, platform enablement, and fintech collaboration. Lead the development and execution of Wells Fargo’s embedded finance strategy, enabling partners to integrate financial services into their platforms Define enterprise frameworks for ISV, ISO and marketplace partnerships Drive expansion of platform-based distribution models, positioning Wells Fargo within embedded ecosystems Represent Wells Fargo in industry forums, executive councils, and strategic partner discussions 3. Enterprise Alignment & Value Realization Partner with leaders across Merchant Services, Product, Technology, Risk, and Lines of Business to ensure alignment and adoption of network and platform capabilities Establish governance and reporting frameworks to track: Financial outcomes (incentives, revenue impact, cost optimization) Strategic partnership performance Enterprise adoption and value realization Drive cross-functional coordination, breaking down silos to maximize enterprise value 4. Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight Ensure alignment with payment network rules, regulatory requirements, and third-party risk management standards Identify and mitigate strategic, operational, and reputational risks across external partnerships and platform models Partner with Risk, Legal, and Compliance to navigate evolving regulatory expectations in payments and embedded finance 5. Organizational Leadership Lead and scale a high-performing team across partnership management, strategy, and governance functions Build enterprise capabilities in: Network strategy Embedded finance models Platform partnerships Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and enterprise-first thinking Develop next-generation leadership talent aligned to long-term business strategy Required Qualifications: 10+ years of Product Management experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education 6+ years of Management experience Desired Qualifications: Demonstrated success leading enterprise partnerships and driving strategic business outcomes Deep expertise in: Payment networks (Visa, Mastercard) Merchant acquiring and payments ecosystem dynamics Embedded finance and ISV/ISO channels models Proven track record negotiating complex, high-value commercial agreements Strong understanding of: Payments economics (interchange, incentives, pricing structures) Regulatory and third-party risk frameworks Experience influencing C-suite stakeholders and external executive partners Familiarity with leading platforms and competitors (e.g., Stripe, Adyen, Fiserv, Square) Job Expectations: Travel as needed 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. $250,000.00 - $420,000.00 Benefits Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees. Health benefits 401(k) Plan Paid time off Disability benefits Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance Parental leave Critical caregiving leave Discounts and savings Commuter benefits Tuition reimbursement Scholarships for dependent children Adoption reimbursement Posting End Date: 29 Sep 2026 * Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants. We Value Equal Opportunity Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic. Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements. Applicants with Disabilities To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo . Drug and Alcohol Policy Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more. Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements: a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo. b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process. #DNP-IND