Strategic Partner Development Principal Lead, Payments Platform

Overview

In this role, you will guide Google product teams on EMEA payment methods, partners, and compliance. You will own end-to-end partnership development, from RFIs/RFPs to contract negotiations, and resolve complex partner escalations. You will analyze partner performance to drive improvements and represent Google in strategic dialogues with partners, regulators, and networks to strengthen processing capabilities and market sustainability. This position sits at the intersection of payments strategy and cross-functional collaboration to power Google’s product experiences.

Responsibilities

• Guide EMEA payment methods practices, potential partners, and regulatory/compliance requirements
• Lead end-to-end partnership lifecycle (RFIs, RFPs, contract negotiations)
• Serve as primary contact for complex partner escalations (financial, operational, technical, regulatory)
• Analyze partner scorecards and metrics to drive continuous improvement
• Represent Google in strategic dialogues with partners, networks, issuers, acquirers, and regulators to enhance processing and compliance

Key requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience
• 7 years of experience developing and managing partnerships within payments in the EMEA region
• Experience working with C-level executives and cross-functional teams across all management levels
• Experience securing payment processing or ancillary service agreements with processors, issuers, acquirers, networks, or regulators
• Experience working with partners in adjacent sectors such as IDV, e-invoicing, or disbursements

• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Autonomous in dynamic, collaborative environments
• Strong stakeholder management and strategic thinking
• Payment partnerships development and management
• RFIs/RFPs and contract negotiations
• Regulatory compliance in payments

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