Cards Portfolio Management Specialist

Role Overview

We are partnering with a leading global cards and payments firm in collaboration with a prominent bank based in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to identify a seasoned Cards Portfolio Management Specialist. This role is pivotal in driving strategic advisory and execution support for cards portfolio optimization initiatives, with a strong focus on enhancing key performance metrics such as enrollment rates (ENR), spend volumes, and authorization performance. The successful candidate will play a critical role in accelerating growth across card activation, customer engagement, utilization, and balance accumulation through meticulous strategic planning, targeted campaign execution, and portfolio optimization. The position demands a data-driven approach, leveraging advanced analytics, merchant partnerships, and lifecycle management tools to deliver measurable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

The Cards Portfolio Management Specialist will be responsible for the following core functions:

• Portfolio Analysis and Strategy Development: Conduct in-depth analysis of portfolio trends to identify opportunities for improving card activation, usage, and customer retention. Develop and implement data-backed strategies to enhance credit card portfolio performance in alignment with business targets.
• Customer Engagement and Campaign Management: Lead end-to-end management of campaigns across multiple channels to drive increased card spends and balance accumulation. Design and execute lifecycle campaigns and customer engagement programs, ensuring effective communication and seamless execution.
• Credit Card Instalment Plans Strategy: Develop and construct innovative payment plan strategies to boost customer adoption of instalment plans. Implement robust sales strategies and optimize revenue streams associated with these plans.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure the smooth execution of campaigns and promotional offers. Align stakeholders on campaign objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Portfolio Performance Optimization: Utilize segmentation, targeting, and offer personalization techniques to enhance portfolio performance. Monitor campaign rollout, track performance metrics, and provide actionable insights for continuous improvement.
• Financial Performance Management: Oversee the financial health of the credit card portfolio by developing accurate forecasts and budgets. Monitor actual performance against targets, identify potential risks, and propose mitigation strategies to address headwinds.

Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following qualifications and experience criteria:

• Professional Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years in banking, payments, or consulting, with a proven track record in credit card portfolio optimization, digital engagement, or card product management. Regional experience within the Middle East or similar markets is highly preferred.
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in finance, business administration, economics, or a related field. An advanced degree, such as an MBA, is advantageous.
• Technical and Functional Knowledge: Strong understanding of Cards Profit & Loss (P&L), revenue management, loyalty programs, and campaign management frameworks. Familiarity with performance analytics and customer segmentation methodologies is essential.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in Arabic is a significant advantage and will be considered a key asset for effective communication in the regional market.
• Analytical and Execution Skills: Demonstrated ability to execute campaigns, analyze performance data, and derive actionable insights to drive portfolio growth. Proven experience in managing end-to-end campaign lifecycles and optimizing customer engagement strategies.

Employment Details

This is an onsite contract role based in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with an initial duration of 12 months. There is a strong potential for extension based on performance and business needs. The position is open to candidates from across the globe, offering an opportunity to contribute to a high-impact initiative within a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.