Card Operations Manager

Lead is a fintech building banking infrastructure for embedded financial products and services. We operate an FDIC-insured bank headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri.  Additionally, we have offices in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, and New York City, where our technical, product, design, and legal teams operate.

We are built for a constantly evolving financial landscape, where new ventures and technological advancements emerge daily. Guided by a team of entrepreneurs and technologists with decades of experience navigating intricate banking and payments regulations, Lead blends regulatory and technological expertise to help our fintech partners scale their operations with compliance and creativity.

Simply put, Lead offers the essential attributes that every fintech seeks in a partner bank. First, unparalleled technical expertise from a distinguished team of developers with an extensive understanding of the banking and payments systems. Second, oversight expertise, automated compliance systems, and bespoke program management to navigate the ever shifting regulatory landscape. Finally, a commitment to transparency and operational rigor to ensure everyone’s money does what it’s supposed to do. 

As a Community Bank, we provide personalized banking services and solutions to support the businesses, individuals, and charitable organizations of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, both in branch and online. We are committed to fostering strong relationships, supporting local economic growth, and we believe in the power of being an integral part of the community we serve.

Role Description: The Card Operations Manager will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the company’s card programs, including BIN Sponsorship initiatives. This senior role is responsible for managing Card Program Managers and ensuring the successful development, implementation, and continuous improvement of credit, debit, and prepaid card programs. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in card payment networks (Visa, MasterCard), strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in driving program growth, compliance, and operational excellence.

• Leadership & Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop the Card Program Managers to ensure high performance and professional growth. Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Strategic Oversight: Define and execute the strategic vision for the company’s card programs, aligning with broader business goals. Guide the Card Program Managers in developing and implementing program strategies that enhance customer satisfaction and drive revenue growth.
• Program Governance: Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of card programs, ensuring robust program governance, compliance with regulatory and industry standards, and risk mitigation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary liaison with executive leadership, card networks (Visa, MasterCard), financial institutions, and key third-party vendors. Ensure alignment of program objectives and seamless collaboration.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Oversee high-level relationships with card issuers, payment processors, BIN sponsors, and other critical partners. 
• Risk & Compliance Management: Ensure all card programs adhere to regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and internal policies. Stay current on evolving regulations and guide the team in maintaining compliance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in card program management, financial services, or payments industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of card payment systems, BIN sponsorship, and regulatory environment.
• Experience working directly with Visa, MasterCard, or other card networks.
• Experience leading a team strongly preferred 
• Familiarity with prepaid, debit, and credit card product development.
• Knowledge of payment processing technologies and fintech innovations.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex vendor and partner relationships.
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.

• At Lead, we design our benefits to support company culture and principles, to foster an efficient and inspiring work environment, and to create the conditions for our team to give their best in both work and life
• Competitive compensation based on experience, geographic location, and role
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k Matching, and other wellness benefits, including FSA, HSA and HRA
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible vacation policy, including PTO and paid holidays
• A fun and challenging team environment in a dynamic industry with ample opportunities for career growth 

*Lead Bank is proud to have an inclusive culture committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

*Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

*Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

**Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on geographical market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. These ranges may be modified in the future.

Zone 1: $115,000 - $140,000 (SF/Bay Area, NYC, Seattle)

Zone 2: $97,000 - $123,000 (Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin, Denver, Boston, Washington DC, San Diego, Philadelphia, Portland, Sacramento, Miami)

Zone 3: $90,000 - $119,000 (Other US Metros)

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