Head of ISO

A fast-growing fintech start-up is seeking a Head of ISO to architect and lead their merchant acquisition engine for an AI-driven payments ecosystem. In this role, you will own the full merchant pipeline, define commercial strategy, and scale operations from zero to a repeatable, high-performing system.

• Architect and launch the ISO function end-to-end including strategy, operating model, tooling, and execution
• Own the full merchant pipeline: prospecting, qualification, underwriting coordination, negotiation, closing, and onboarding/activation
• Define and refine commercial fundamentals including pricing strategy, merchant segmentation, and offer frameworks
• Build scalable operational workflows and enforce portfolio health ratios in coordination with Risk/Compliance and Processing partners
• Map and manage banking/acquiring coverage and route merchants based on vertical, geography, and risk profile
• Build and maintain relationships with PSPs, acquirers, and key commercial partners
• Standardize playbooks, scripts, and governance across all merchant opportunities
• Drive process automation with Product & Engineering to convert manual tasks into AI-powered workflows
• Recruit, develop, and lead the ISO team with focus on high-performance culture
• Deliver advanced reporting, forecasting, and KPIs to leadership

• Extensive experience building or scaling an ISO/merchant services function
• Strong domain understanding of underwriting, processing economics, risk, and portfolio management
• Proven track record of closing complex merchant deals and managing merchant portfolios with risk awareness
• Ability to define pricing and segmentation strategies aligned with underwriting and partner constraints
• Strong operational discipline with expertise in scalable workflows, CRM governance, and forecasting
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills
• Leadership maturity and resilience in fast-changing environments
• Experience with CRM systems, outbound engines, or automation workflows (nice-to-have)
• Background in fintech, SaaS, or payment technology (nice-to-have)

• Direct access to founders and leadership with zero bureaucracy and high decision velocity
• Full ownership and autonomy to build the system, team, and results from scratch
• Competitive compensation with significant performance-based upside
• Fast-moving, high-impact work environment at a rare opportunity in fintech