Card Operations Manager (m/f/d)
Germany | Stuttgart | Full‑time | Hybrid
About the Role
A well‑established retail banking institution is expanding its card product offering and is looking to strengthen its Operations function with an experienced (Senior) Card Operations Manager based in Stuttgart.
This role is central to the smooth, compliant and efficient operation of card products across their full lifecycle, working closely with internal stakeholders, external service providers and international card schemes. The position offers a high degree of responsibility, ownership and operational visibility, and is well suited to professionals who enjoy managing complex processes in a regulated environment.
Responsibilities
* End‑to‑end responsibility for stable and efficient card operations across the full card lifecycle, including issuing, transaction processing, blocking, replacement and cancellations
* Technical oversight and coordination of external service providers (e.g. card processors, BPO partners and issuers), covering SLA monitoring, service quality and escalation management
* Acting as the primary operational interface to card schemes (Visa and Mastercard), including scheme updates, testing phases and operational rollouts
* Ownership of disputes, chargebacks and escalations at Level 3, ensuring consistent, compliant and well‑documented decisions
* Operational governance of card processor collaboration, including clearing, settlement, reconciliations and incident handling
* Ongoing monitoring of transaction flows and responsibility for incident and problem management, including root cause analysis in cooperation with IT and service partners
* Ensuring audit readiness, complete documentation and effective internal control mechanisms within the card operations landscape
Your Profile
* Degree in Economics, Business Administration or Finance, or a completed banking apprenticeship combined with relevant further professional training
* Several years of hands‑on experience in card operations within a bank, card issuer, card processor or payment service provider
* Strong knowledge of card schemes (Visa and/or Mastercard), particularly within disputes, chargebacks and scheme rule frameworks
* Experience managing external service providers in an outsourced operating model (BPO / processor oversight)
* Strong operational and quality mindset, with experience ensuring audit‑ready documentation and robust processes
* Structured, independent working style and confidence in incident and escalation scenarios
* Strong communication skills and a professional presence when working with internal interfaces and external partners
* Very good German and English skills, written and spoken