Strategy and Planning Director - Payments Strategy

Wells Fargo is seeking a Strategy & Planning Director to lead high-impact initiatives across our wallet capabilities, with a focus on Alternative Payment Models (APMs) and Cross-Border (XB) optimization. This strategic leadership role is pivotal in shaping the future of our digital payments' ecosystem. The successful candidate will drive alignment across business units, enhance competitive positioning, and fuel growth by delivering market intelligence and actionable insights to senior leadership. If you're passionate about innovation in payments and thrive in dynamic, high-stakes environments, we invite you to join us in transforming how our customers move money globally.

In this role you will:

• Manage and develop a specialized team of individual contributors focused on payment strategy and planning.

• Deliver product direction for moderate to high complexity initiatives, ensuring alignment with stakeholder and internal partner needs while managing strategic risk.

• Define and execute strategic direction for programs centered on payment innovation and optimization.

• Make high-impact decisions to resolve complex issues and achieve high-risk deliverables within the Strategy and Planning team.

• Interpret, develop, and implement policies and procedures for functions with moderate to high complexity and risk.

• Collaborate with and influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership to drive strategic alignment and execution.

• Partner with Finance and Human Resources to ensure resource optimization and cross-functional cohesion.

• Oversee allocation of personnel and financial resources to support Strategy and Planning initiatives.

• Foster a culture of talent development aligned with business objectives and long-term strategic goals.

Strategic Focus Areas:

Maximize ROI on Wallet Partner Investments

• Design and implement performance frameworks and KPIs to evaluate wallet partnerships.

• Identify underperforming relationships and recommend strategic corrective actions.

• Align wallet strategies with broader organizational objectives to drive value.

Assess Threats and Opportunities from Emerging Models and Capabilities

• Conduct in-depth competitive and market analysis on fintech disruptors and emerging technologies.

• Advise senior leadership on strategic responses to evolving market threats.

• Explore and evaluate potential partnerships or investments in high-growth areas.

Grow Cross-Border Volumes and Margins

• Develop and execute strategies to increase international transaction volumes.

• Identify and implement margin improvement opportunities through pricing, partnerships, and operational efficiencies.

• Collaborate with regional teams to tailor strategies to local market dynamics and customer needs.

Deliver Market and Competitive Insights to Leadership

• Synthesize market intelligence and competitive benchmarking into actionable insights.

• Provide strategic recommendations that inform planning and decision-making at the executive level.

• Ensure alignment between external market trends and internal business priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• ​8 years of Strategy and Planning experience or equivalent experience demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education

• 4 years of management or leadership experience

Desired Qualifications:

• 8 years of strategy consulting, market-sizing, and competitive analytics

• Proven experience in payments, fintech, or financial services strategy.

• Exceptional analytical and decision-making skills in complex, high-stakes environments.

• Executive-level communication skills with a strong ability to engage and influence stakeholders.

• Deep understanding of digital wallet ecosystems and cross-border payment infrastructure.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives across departments.

• Proven experience successfully influencing senior leadership through data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.

• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of market trends.

Job Expectations: 

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time  

• This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship

• This position will require onsite presence at one of the locations listed below in a hybrid work schedule   

Locations:   

• 333 Market Street, San Francisco, California

• 550 S 4th St, Minneapolis, Minnesota

• 150 E 42nd St, New York, New York

• 401 S Tryon St, Charlotte, North Carolina

Required locations listed above.

Please note: Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicant

Pay Range
 

Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, experience, or work location. The range listed is just one component of the compensation package offered to candidates.

Benefits

Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.

• Health benefits
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid time off
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
• Parental leave
• Critical caregiving leave
• Discounts and savings
• Commuter benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Scholarships for dependent children
• Adoption reimbursement

Posting End Date:

*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

We Value Equal Opportunity

Wells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.

Applicants with Disabilities

To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace.  Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.

Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:

a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.

b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.