VP, Merchant Risk Operations

Upgrade is a fintech company that provides affordable and responsible credit, mobile banking, and payment products to everyday consumers. We were the fastest growing company in the Americas last year according to the Financial Times and Upgrade Card was the fastest growing credit card in America two years in a row. We have delivered over $33 billion in affordable and responsible credit to our 5.5M customers. The company is backed by some of the most prominent technology investors and was recently valued at $6.3B.

We have built an energizing, collaborative and inclusive culture where team members help each other, learn and innovate to move the company and its customers in the right direction, and own the outcome of their efforts.

Upgrade has been named a “Best Place to Work in the Bay Area” three years in a row, “Top Companies to work for in Arizona” and one of the "Best Engineering Department" awarded annually by Comparably. We've also received recognition for being a best company for Diversity, Women, Culture, and Veterans.

We are looking for new team members who get excited about designing and delivering new and better products to join a team of 1850 talented and dedicated professionals. Come work with us if you like to tackle big problems and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

About the Role:

We are looking for a Vice President of Merchant Risk Operations in our Atlanta office. This person will be responsible for all aspects of merchant risk for our growing Merchant Relations & Development product. This person will lead a team and work closely with internal teams to develop and implement risk management strategies, policies, and procedures. Additionally, you will be responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices in the industry. This is a hybrid role in our Atlanta office.

What You’ll Do: 

• Develop and implement risk management strategies for merchant risk.
• Oversee the underwriting of potential merchants and own accountability for merchant performance
• Monitor and assess merchant risk exposure and develop strategies to mitigate risks.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Lead a team of risk management professionals to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
• Synthesizing data such as dispute metrics, credit metrics, and overall feedback to make effective recommendations
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices related to merchant risk management.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure that merchant risk is effectively managed across the organization.

What We Look For:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in risk operations management within the financial services industry, with a focus on merchant risk.
• Experience working with point of sale lending merchants.
• Home improvement loan experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of risk management principles, practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

What We Offer You: 

• Competitive salary and stock option plan
• 100% paid coverage of medical, dental and vision insurance 
• Flexible PTO
• Opportunities for professional growth and development  
• Paid parental leave
• Health & wellness initiatives

#LI-Hybrid  #BI-Hybrid

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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.