Head of Payments & Partnership Modernization

Full job description

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Develop and execute the modernization roadmap for payments and partner banking platforms aligning initiatives with Valley's enterprise architecture and transformation goals

Serve as the executive sponsor for modernization programs including RTP, FedNow, and embedded finance capabilities

Lead the selection, integration, and lifecycle management of payment technologies and partner banking platforms

Oversee interoperability with customer-facing systems via open APIs and digital channels

Ensure modular architecture that reduces reliance on incumbent core vendors

Collaborate with Risk, Compliance, and Legal to operationalize sponsorship programs and FBO account structures

Ensure high availability, flawless transaction execution, and competitive pricing of Valley's payment solutions

Integrate specialized products (FX, Trade Finance, Asset-Based Lending) into the broader modernization strategy

Drive AML/BSA compliance and transaction monitoring enhancements. Partner with Treasury Sales, Commercial Services, Data & Analytics, and Fraud Prevention teams to define and deliver future-state capabilities

Lead internal and external stakeholder engagement to accelerate delivery and adoption.

Requirements:

Required Skills:

Proven track record of leading enterprise-scale transformation initiatives.

Deep understanding of payment rails (ACH, wire, RTP, FedNow), API architecture, and partner banking models.

Strong leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.

Handles complex issues calmly and creatively.

Thrives in fast-paced, evolving environments.

Required Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Technology, or related field.

Minimum of 10 years of experience in payments, banking technology, or fintech partnerships.

Proven track record of leading large-scale modernization initiatives and strategic partnerships.

Deep understanding of payment systems, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies.

Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Experience:

Experience managing vendor relationships and internal development teams.

Pay Transparency In order to support the Fair Compensation Strategy by the US Govt., HR Dept., clients are required to adhere to "Pay Transparency Law"; in the impacted states; that have mandated the employers to list the salary ranges in Job advertisements or postings for job opportunities and Job promotions.