Strategic Payments Partnership Manager

Powering the world’s payments ecosystem

ACI powers the payments ecosystem – globally, and you power ACI. You’ll innovate, collaborate, and grow – in an energetic technology culture with decades of proven success. ACIers – in all roles and levels – are truly your colleagues and many are your friends. Our size and reach allow you to see the global impact of your work. You are visible, your talents are valued, and you are empowered to shape the future of payments.

Job Purpose

Own and manage strategic relationships that support ACI’s core payment processing and card network operations, representing hundreds of millions of dollars in transaction volume.

Develop and strengthen critical partner relationships; negotiate agreements that manage costs, mitigate risk, and advance business objectives; and oversee service levels, business reviews, performance scorecards, escalations, operational resilience, and contractual compliance.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Manage strategic relationships with card networks, processors, gateway providers, disbursement providers, and alternative payment providers to facilitate payment services and ensure operational performance aligns with contractual and service-level requirements.
• Lead the timely resolution of partner-related escalations by coordinating internal and external stakeholders, providing subject-matter expertise, and driving clear accountability for corrective actions.
• Negotiate complex agreements and renewals, including service-level commitments, to protect ACI’s legal, financial, operational, and technical interests.
• Serve as the primary subject-matter expert for internal stakeholders and external partners regarding card processing and the operational, contractual, and technical aspects of ACI’s relationships and integrations.
• Coordinate responses to partner requests for audit attestations, transaction volumes, and other information required to support periodic due diligence reviews.
• Conduct strategic partner reviews in accordance with ACI requirements and submission deadlines, monitoring performance, risk, and mutual compliance with contractual obligations.
• Evaluate new partner products and capabilities for business viability, strategic alignment, operational readiness, and measurable value to the organization.
• Partner with Product Management and cross-functional teams to define business needs and integration requirements for new partner products and client solutions, supporting effective implementation, operational efficiency, and risk reduction.
• Understand and adhere to all corporate policies, including the ACI Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and comply with Risk Management program requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Deep knowledge of card processing, including the transaction lifecycle, processing economics, technology, participant responsibilities, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated success negotiating complex contracts, renewals, and service-level agreements.
• Proven ability to manage complex partner relationships, hold stakeholders accountable for commitments, and drive timely escalation resolution.
• Strong business judgment and the ability to apply regulatory, legal, contractual, and partner requirements to practical and hypothetical scenarios in support of business objectives.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence peers, senior leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes, evaluate options, and communicate and execute actionable recommendations.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain data integrity, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions affecting the business and its strategic partners.
• Collaborative, self-directed approach with the interpersonal skills to build productive relationships across organizational levels and with external partners.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with working knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications (Education, Experience, Competencies)

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• 8–12 years of relevant professional experience.

Competencies

• Strategic relationship management
• Commercial negotiation and business acumen
• Operational risk management
• Influence and stakeholder management
• Decision quality and accountability

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visa status or work permit now or in the future.

In return for your expertise, we offer opportunities for growth, career development, and a competitive compensation and benefits package—all within an innovative and collaborative work environment.

Are you ready to help us transform the payments ecosystem? To learn more about ACI Worldwide, visit our web site at www.aciworldwide.com Job ID (Requisition #20063)

ACI Worldwide is an AA/EEO employer in the United States, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, and an EEO employer globally.

Important Notice About Recruitment Scams
Job seekers should be aware of ongoing recruitment scams where individuals or organizations impersonate legitimate companies to offer fake job opportunities. These scams often involve requests for personal information, payments, or interviews through unofficial channels. Please be cautious and verify any communications claiming to be from our company (www.aciworldwide.com / @aciworldwide.com). The ACI Worldwide recruitment team will always follow official channels and will never request payment.