Director, Franchise Business Partner - IC

About the role

The Western Europe Franchise Lead will act as the trusted Franchise advisor for internal and external stakeholders across the Western Europe Division, driving ecosystem performance and supporting strategic growth initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the Franchise Lead and go‑to expert for internal and external stakeholders across Western Europe.
• Partner with market leadership and cross‑functional teams to align Franchise priorities with business strategy and customer needs.
• Provide guidance on new customer onboarding, licensing, standards, scheme compliance, fraud performance, approval rates, chargebacks, and ecosystem integrity.
• Enable new business opportunities across core payments, digital, multi‑rail, processing, fintech, instalment, and other emerging customer segments.
• Ensure customer onboarding and partnership initiatives are executed with a risk‑based approach, aligned to global standards and SLA expectations.

Required profile

• Strong track record in the payments industry with experience in operations, product, risk, fraud management, compliance or related areas.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into execution across multiple markets and stakeholders.
• Experience leading cross‑functional initiatives across matrixed, multicultural, and geographically dispersed teams.
• Customer‑focused mindset with strong analytical thinking and sound judgment.
• Fluent in English; additional European language (French, Spanish or Italian) strongly preferred.

Required skills

• Deep understanding of payment systems, bank card operations, Mastercard standards and regulatory environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail, strong risk management discipline and commitment to ecosystem integrity.