Project Manager - Card Program Implementations

Overview

This role leads and oversees the onboarding, migration, and integration of credit union card programs including credit, debit, prepaid, and digital solutions. The position is key in ensuring smooth card platform deployments, migrations, network compliance, and digital wallet launches through collaboration with internal teams such as engineering, compliance, and support, as well as external partners like card processors, networks, and BIN sponsors. The Project Manager acts as the main point of contact for credit union stakeholders ensuring on-time delivery, adherence to Visa, Mastercard, and PCI standards, and sustainable program success.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle implementations for credit union card initiatives including new credit, debit, prepaid launches, processor migrations, BIN changes, EMV/contactless rollouts, and digital wallet activations.
• Serve as the primary intermediary for credit unions, card processors (e.g., PSCU, Co-op Solutions, Fiserv, FIS, Jack Henry), card networks (Visa, Mastercard), BIN sponsors, and internal teams, navigating complex mandates and technical integrations.
• Support integrations across core banking, authorization/switching, fraud/dispute platforms, and digital banking using tools like SQL, Jira, and processor specifications.
• Advise clients on adjusting card operations, dispute processes, and member communications for seamless transitions.
• Interpret contractual terms and scheme regulations (Visa/Mastercard rulebooks, PCI DSS, regulations like Reg E and Reg Z) to keep project scope aligned with requirements.
• Create and maintain detailed project plans covering BIN readiness, test card provisioning, certification schedules, vendor coordination, and go-live procedures.
• Monitor milestones, anticipate delays or issues, and communicate mitigation plans effectively.
• Prepare regular status reports, progress updates, and executive briefings focusing on mandate compliance, risk analysis, and launch readiness.
• Facilitate communication among credit union executives, processors, and internal teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with credit union leadership and card program teams to build trust in Blossom's card strategy.
• Analyze large datasets from transaction and dispute files to inform go/no-go decisions and monitor implementation health.
• Exhibit strong communication skills during critical cutover events, compliance windows, and incident management.
• Manage multiple concurrent card programs, balancing fixed deadlines with evolving client needs.
• Collaborate closely with developers, product managers, operations, fraud, risk, and support teams to coordinate integration activities and resolve challenges.
• Ensure readiness for Visa and Mastercard semiannual mandates and support clients in meeting deadlines.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, IT, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Preferred certifications include PMP, CSM, ETA CPP, AAP.
• Minimum of three years managing card program implementations, processor migrations, or payment integrations.
• At least two years’ experience working alongside card processors (e.g., PSCU, Co-op Solutions, Fiserv, FIS, Jack Henry) and/or core banking systems (Symitar, Corelation, Fiserv).
• Two or more years’ experience within or supporting credit unions, card processors, or fintech providers.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including stakeholder engagement and vendor coordination.
• Analytical thinker with solid problem-solving ability especially with transactional and processor data.
• Leadership skills for managing cross-functional teams to achieve fixed deadlines.
• Proficient in project management methodologies applicable to regulated timed projects.
• In-depth knowledge of card lifecycle processes including issuance, authorization, clearing, settlement, disputes, and chargebacks.
• Familiarity with Visa and Mastercard rules, PCI DSS standards, tokenization, 3-D Secure, and digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay).
• Experience with project management tools like Jira, Smartsheet, Microsoft Project.
• Comfortable with Google Workspace, SQL, and learning proprietary tools such as VROL, MasterCom, and network portals.

Physical Requirements

• Extended periods of seated desk work with computer use.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.

Benefits

• Company-provided medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment coverage funded by the employer.
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits covered by company.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Flexible and dependent care spending accounts.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• Employee Assistance Program participation.
• Optional supplemental voluntary insurance plans.