Manager - Start Path, Platform Operations

Are you motivated by a fast-paced environment where you would be a subject matter expert, a connector, and a leader with a reputation for impact?

Do you have a passion for startups, Fintech, product innovation and emerging technology, as well as possess an entrepreneurial spirit?

Are you compelled to win and wish you could work in an environment that has the nimbleness of a startup and works with Fintechs globally?

As Fintech continues to be a fast-growing customer segment for MA, the global Start Path team, part of the Mastercard Foundry division, drives Mastercard's position as the partner of choice for fintech startups. The team focuses on opportunities for growth with the segment and on how Mastercard enables the Fintech segment overall.

Operational since 2014, Start Path is Mastercard's program for engaging elite later-stage startups with Mastercard's business and our customers. The Start Path team is agile and highly matrixed with a big vision, working globally to engage the best later-stage startups with the payments ecosystem.

The Manager - Start Path, Platform Operations will be a member of the Global Start Path team that sits in the Foundry department. Reporting to the Director, Start Path Global Platform, this position will play a critical role in driving the next wave of Mastercard's engagement with the fintech community. Key responsibilities include building program operating models and implementation plans that are fit for scale, managing relationships with fintech partners to ensure their touchpoints with Start Path multiple programs are best in class, and advocating and championing Start Path programs to internal and external stakeholders.

The person will also have the opportunity to get involved in startup and partner evaluations and strategy, as well as Start Path startup sponsorship.

The Role

Driving Operational Excellence for Start Path Programs
▪ Design and implement scalable program operating models and robust execution plans to ensure efficient and consistent delivery of Start Path multiple programs and initiatives.

▪ Continuously optimize program core operations to drive efficiency, scalability, and measurable success in meeting the needs of fintech partners.

▪ Develop and implement tracking systems and operational dashboards to monitor initiatives across regions, ensuring visibility, accountability, and clear demonstration of impact.

▪ Lead cross-functional working groups to align on key fintech topics, providing oversight on program performance tracking and reporting at a global level.

▪ Manage vendor relationships to ensure operational excellence, meeting program needs, and delivering a high-quality platform consistently.

Streamlining Partner Engagement and Program Delivery
▪ Oversee partner onboarding processes for Start Path Programs and related initiatives, implementing a centralized, streamlined approach to improve efficiency and partner experience.

▪ Collaborate with regional and program leads to ensure operational consistency across touchpoints for fintech participants, delivering a best-in-class experience at every stage.

Operationalizing Strategic Initiatives
▪ Develop systems and frameworks to anticipate fintech trends at regional and global levels, enabling the team to adapt strategies and operational plans proactively.

▪ Build and maintain strong relationships with internal partners, such as Foundry, Corporate Development, and Fintech Solutions departments, among others, to drive alignment and operational synergies across teams.

▪ Own the design and execution of key events and program milestones, ensuring streamlined logistics, operational efficiency, and a consistent experience for fintech partners.

Enabling Program Delivery and Impact
▪ Act as a key operational resource for Start Path Program Leads, supporting program delivery and ensuring alignment with the broader Start Path platform goals.

▪ Develop processes to tap into internal and external ecosystems that enhance Start Path's reach, collaboration opportunities, and operational effectiveness.

▪ Contribute to the global Start Path team by supporting the sourcing, evaluation, and engagement of fintech startups, while acting as a sponsor and operational advocate for program participants.

All About You

• Experience in Project, Platform, or Operations Management at small or large entities with a global focus

• Proven ability to manage complex operational requirements of a global team, adeptly navigating ambiguities and unknown factors
• Execution-focused, self-starter, fast mover who can turn around deliverables quickly and on time

• Results-driven, solution-focused, and customer-focused, with strong business acumen and a sense of urgency.

• Demonstrated strong self-awareness, open to different approaches and ideas, and open to challenging the status quo to drive new business initiatives. Self-motivated, thrives in the ambiguity that comes with a lean and agile team at the forefront of an evolving space

• Demonstrated ability to take accountability and drive to desired results with passion, ambition, and aptitude

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing requirements - startup experience a plus

• Demonstrated ability to research, gather, analyze, interpret, and visualize complex information

• Demonstrates strong self-awareness, open to different approaches and ideas, and open to challenging the status quo to drive new business initiatives

• Ability to quickly learn about new technologies, demonstrating startup subject matter expertise and industry thought leadership

• Possesses a passion for and experience with the Startup and Fintech Communities

• Strong Microsoft Office / 365 skills, including PowerPoint and Excel; CRM (e.g., SFDC) experience needed; PRM experience a plus

• MBA or other advanced degree in business, strategy, finance, innovation, entrepreneurship, or other related fields a plus

Mastercard is an inclusive Equal Employment Opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process, please get in touch with reasonable.accommodation@mastercard.com and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard's security policies and practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard's guidelines.