Program Manager - Cards

Role Summary

As a Cards program manager, you will be the backbone of our card issuance infrastructure.  

Your mission is to own and optimize the entire card ecosystem - track, monitor, and execute all card initiatives – from BIN management and scheme compliance to production operations and escalation handling. This role requires close coordination between all cross functional units of a card program – both internal and external service providers. 

Youll ensure seamless card operating environment while implementing cutting-edge payment technologies and maintaining the highest standards of card performance. Success demands deep technical expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate across processors, schemes, and internal stakeholders. 

Responsibilities

BIN management & architecture 

• Design and implement BIN strategy – architect BIN range structures, configure all BIN parameters in card management systems, and manage card number range allocations across multiple products 

• BIN lifecycle ownership – plan and execute BIN tiering strategies, manage sunset timelines with comprehensive customer communication, coordinate range expansions with Mastercard/Visa/Jaywan, and maintain detailed BIN inventory documentation 

• Scheme registration & compliance – complete BIN registrations with card networks, ensure ongoing scheme compliance, and implement all mandates within required timelines 

Card system configuration & operations 

• Product configuration – configure comprehensive product parameters in card management systems (CMS), including velocity checks, transaction limits, daily caps, and sophisticated fee matrices 

• Authorization management – build and optimize authorization rules, decline codes, stand-in parameters, and create card profiles with specific behavioral patterns to maximize approval rates 

• Card lifecycle management – configure and manage card states, transitions, and status workflows ensuring smooth customer experience throughout the card journey 

Technical infrastructure & integration 

• Payment technology implementation – deploy 3DS 2.0 authentication flows, manage MDES/VTS tokenization services, configure clearing and settlement parameters, and build robust reconciliation logic 

• Fraud prevention systems – configure fraud rule engines, implement real-time scoring models for authorization decisioning, manage BIN/merchant/country restriction lists, and establish comprehensive transaction monitoring frameworks 

• Technical documentation – create detailed BRDs for new products with complete program specifications, develop UAT scripts and test scenarios, specify database changes and field mapping requirements 

Production & fulfillment  

• Card production management – oversee personalization bureau relationships, manage production files, track card inventory levels, configure fulfillment rules, and implement quality control checks 

• Operational excellence – monitor production KPIs, optimize reorder points, streamline logistics workflows, and ensure SLA compliance across all production touchpoints 

Escalation & issue resolution 

• Priority escalation handling – serve as L2 escalation point for complex cardholder issues, manage chargeback submissions and tracking, handle VIP and high-value customer escalations, and coordinate c-level and regulatory complaint responses 

• Multi-stakeholder coordination – engage directly with scheme representatives for dispute resolution, coordinate with processors for authorization/clearing issues, align internal teams (engineering, product, customer service) for comprehensive issue resolution 

• Transaction support – investigate complex authorization failures, support pre-arbitration and arbitration cases, analyze recurring decline patterns, and resolve cross-border transaction challenges 
  

• Requirements

• Essential experience 

  • 5-8 years of experience in card operations, payment systems, or fintech operations within issuing or processing environments 

  • Proven track record managing card programs with demonstrated expertise in bin management, scheme compliance, and technical operations 

  • Technical proficiency with card management systems, payment gateways, and production management platforms 

  Technical skills 

  • Deep understanding of MasterCard/Visa/Jaywan operating regulations, compliance requirements, and mandate implementation 

  • Hands-on experience with 3DS, tokenization, fraud management systems, and authorization processing 

  Core competencies 

  • Exceptional problem-solving abilities with proven crisis management and escalation handling experience 

  • Strong stakeholder management skills to coordinate effectively across schemes, processors, vendors, and internal teams 

  • Meticulous attention to detail ensuring zero-defect operations in high-volume, regulated environments 

  • Project management expertise to drive multiple technical implementations simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines