Group Merchant Risk Manager

The Group Merchant Risk Manager (MRM) is part of Worldline’s Second Line Group R2S, and its primary responsibility is to oversee the risk management framework governing merchant risk during the merchant lifecycle. The MRM actively contributes to Worldline’s Merchant Risk Management efforts and is with Senior Management shaping the company’s Merchant Risk Strategy and Risk Appetite that will support a sustainable business growth. The Merchant Risk Management’s mission is to provide leadership and strategic direction in the management of merchant risk across Worldline Group.

The Role

Under the responsibility of the Group Head of Merchant Risk, the Group Merchant Risk Manager tackles merchant risk (credit risk, fraud risk, payment schemes risk, integrity risk) and ensures that the risk/reward balance is consistent with Worldline’s strategy. The primary responsibility of Merchant Risk Manager is to contribute to the design of and oversee the Merchant Risk Policy Framework and related standards, as well as control its effective implementation within the organization and within the 1st Line. The MRM works closely with internal stakeholders in establishing onboarding, underwriting and monitoring standards. The MRM partners with product teams, operations, data engineers and risk experts to plan, develop and deliver projects related to merchant risk, including all stages of project identification, stakeholder engagement, project management, and closeout. The MRM contributes to the development of a risk-aware culture across the company.

Key Responsibilities And DutiesMerchant Risk Policies, Committee Governance, Risk appetite & Strategy

• Contribute to the maintenance of the Group Merchant risk policy, in particularly focusing on Merchant Credit Risk standards
• Lead and contribute to enhancement of the Merchant Credit Risk standards and merchant risk appetite related to Credit risk, in close collaboration with 1st Line Merchant Risk
• Regularly update MS and Group Risk & Compliance Committee Terms of Reference to fit company structure and organisation

Merchant Risk framework implementation and Control assurance

• Control effective implementation by the 1st Line of the overarching Group Merchant Risk policy and standards, in particular Merchant Credit Risk standards
• Implement and perform controls and validations of the merchant risk process to ensure a high standard is met within the Underwriting & Risk Monitoring team and the first line in general regarding risk assessment and monitoring

Reporting, Monitoring & Risk Data Management

• Contribute to the development of merchant risk steering and quarterly portfolio report, in alignment with management expectations
• By close collaboration with the Data Risk team ensure that quarterly recurring and ad-hoc merchant risk reports meet quality standards and align in a timely manner with management needs

Integration of Worldline Merchant Services Joint Ventures

• Support integration of Group Merchant Risk policy and related standards by Worldline Merchant Services Joint Ventures

Methodologies & Risk analytics

• As owner of methodology tools (i.e. SDD list, credit memo) ensure that credit exposure calculation tools are updated and available to 1st Line teams
• As owner of Group Merchant Risk related SharePoint sites ensure regular updates and maintenance in line with policy updates

Management & Relations with key stakeholders and communication

• Ensure close collaboration with risk experts from 1st Line as well as with AML & Compliance officers when developing merchant risk policies and risk management tools & methodologies
• Build trusted internal relationships with sales and account managers and help them understand the risks in their portfolios
• Support the 1st Line in the provision to staff of guidance and training on merchant risk policies and standards
  

Education & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience gained in credit analysis,
• Minimum 1 year of experience within ORM, related to internal control testing or similar,
• Work experience in the payment services or banking industry a plus
• Excellent communication skills for interacting effectively with senior management, business lines, other risk management functions and external stakeholders
• Ability to work with operations teams to identify and assess the level of risk the organization is taking on and to propose actions to mitigate risks
• Takes personal ownership; self-starter; ability to drive projects with minimal guidance and focus on high impact work
• Tenacity, agility, and an ability to prioritize work in a fast-paced, output-focused environment
• Strong skills in PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
• Learns continuously; seeks out knowledge, ideas, and feedback
  

Qualifications

• Higher university degree in a relevant field (Economics, Finance, Financial Risk Management, Business or similar)
• Solid project management and planning skills to lead and deliver change