About the job
First Rate is the UK’s largest supplier of foreign currency and a top 5 currency wholesaler globally. We are one of the foremost foreign exchange (FX) experts in the industry, with a multi-billion pound wholesale business and over 20 years’ trusted experience providing tailor-made travel money solutions for companies in the finance, travel and retail sectors.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a major worldwide currency operation where billions of pounds change hands every year. Now is an exciting time to join us as we are growing and expanding through new products, markets and partnerships.
We have a vacancy for an experienced Program Manager Payments to join us on a fixt term contract.
The Role
* Lead and oversee the end-to-end procurement process, including the Request for Proposal (RFP) and vendor selection, for a prepaid FX multi-currency card solution.
* Ensure alignment with the organisation’s strategic objectives, compliance policies, and budgetary constraints.
* Drive stakeholder engagement and collaboration across multiple departments to deliver a best-in-class solution.
* Develop and maintain a detailed project plan, timelines, and risk management strategies for the procurement process.
* Ensure all deliverables are achieved within agreed timeframes, quality standards, and financial objectives.
* Develop, publish, and manage the RFP process, including creating RFP documentation, evaluating vendor responses, and facilitating decision-making.
* Engage cross-functional teams to gather and document technical, operational, and financial requirements.
* Conduct vendor due diligence, including financial analysis, capability assessments, and reference checks.
* Negotiate terms, conditions, and pricing with shortlisted vendors to ensure optimal value and service delivery.
* Prepare and deliver progress reports and presentations to executive stakeholders.
* Oversee the transition and implementation phases post-vendor selection, ensuring smooth handover to operational teams.
The Candidate
* Expert knowledge of card products, including regulatory and compliance considerations
* Demonstrable experience in procurement processes, RFP management, and vendor negotiation within the financial services or payments industry.
* Proven track record of managing cross-functional projects and delivering complex solutions on time and within budget.
* Familiarity with relevant financial technologies, platforms, and providers in the prepaid and FX sector.
* Experience in developing and implementing KPIs and performance metrics for vendor management.
* Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (MBA preferred).
* Professional certifications in procurement or project management (e.g., CIPS, PMP, or PRINCE2) are highly desirable
We offer a successful, dynamic and supportive environment where people with talent and dedication can learn, grow and thrive at every level.
Diversity Statement
First Rate is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity in its workforce. We aim to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, that promotes dignity, equity and diversity and that encourages individuals to develop and maximise their true potential.