Strategy & Portfolio Support Manager - Cards Issuing (Contract)
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This impactful role will provide senior-level strategy and portfolio support to the Head of Cards Strategy of a card-issuing bank. The successful candidate will work directly with this senior strategy leader, supporting commercial decision-making, leading governance processes, and driving execution of commercially focused cards initiatives aimed at increasing cards usage and profitability across the customer base.
The role is suited to an experienced strategy professional with strong execution capability, familiarity with card issuing, and the credibility to operate confidently with senior stakeholders across a regulated banking environment.
This is a 12-month contract position and will suit candidates who are available to start immediately, or within a few weeks.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy & Governance Support
Partner closely with the Head of Cards Strategy to develop high-quality senior-level materials, including strategy papers, investment cases, and updates for ExCo and senior governance forums.
- Own and coordinate key Cards governance processes, including:
- Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs)
Tracking of strategic initiatives, milestones, and outcomes
Ensure a clear, consistent strategic narrative across Cards initiatives, supported by robust commercial insight and data.
Act as a central point of coordination across multiple initiatives, managing dependencies and timelines.
2. Portfolio & Commercial Execution
Support the delivery of Cards portfolio initiatives focused on:
- Customer and portfolio segmentation
- Card usage growth and engagement
- Revenue and profitability optimisation
Translate Cards strategy into tangible, executable initiatives in collaboration with Product, Marketing, Finance, Risk, Operations, and Technology teams.
Monitor portfolio performance and support prioritisation of initiatives based on commercial impact and strategic fit.
Track benefits realisation and performance against agreed KPIs.
3. Senior Stakeholder Management
Engage with senior stakeholders across the bank, including Cards Product, Finance, Risk, Compliance, Technology, and Operations.
Clearly articulate strategic intent, changes, and requirements to a broad range of stakeholders.
Influence outcomes without direct authority, ensuring alignment and timely delivery across functions.
Proactively identify and manage risks, issues, and interdependencies.
Required Experience
Experience in a strategy, commercial, or portfolio roles within financial services, ideally within a Card-Issuing environment, or
Demonstrable experience working in Cards and Payments, with direct exposure to card issuing, in a strategy role closely supporting an issuer bank.
Proven track record of supporting senior leadership and executive-level decision-making.
Required Skills & Capabilities
Commercial acumen with the ability to assess and articulate financial and strategic trade-offs.
Excellent strategy execution and delivery management capability.
High-quality written and verbal communication skills, including production of senior-level papers and presentations.
Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to challenge constructively.
Highly structured, organised, and outcome-focused.