Cards Portfolio Management Specialist

Role Overview

We are partnering with a leading global Cards & Payments firm to support a prominent bank in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in identifying a highly skilled 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 ENR (Earning Non-Interest Revenue), spend levels, and authorization performance. The successful candidate will play a critical role in accelerating growth across card activation, customer engagement, utilization, and balance accumulation through strategic planning, targeted campaign execution, and portfolio optimization. By leveraging advanced data analytics, merchant partnerships, and lifecycle management tools, the role will contribute to sustainable portfolio growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Analysis & Strategy Development: Conduct in-depth analysis of portfolio trends to identify opportunities for improving card activation, usage, and customer retention. Develop and implement data-driven strategies to enhance portfolio performance in alignment with business objectives.
• Portfolio Growth Initiatives: Support the development and execution of strategies aimed at expanding the credit card portfolio in line with predefined business targets. Focus on initiatives that drive customer engagement, utilization, and balance accumulation.
• Campaign Management & Execution: Oversee the end-to-end management of multi-channel campaigns designed to increase card spends and balances. This includes designing, implementing, and monitoring campaigns while ensuring seamless collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Instalment Plans Strategy: Contribute to the design and construction of credit card instalment plans, including the development of effective sales strategies and revenue optimization frameworks. Ensure these initiatives align with customer needs and regulatory requirements.
• Lifecycle Campaigns & Customer Engagement: Lead the creation and implementation of lifecycle campaigns and customer engagement programs. Responsible for driving targeted customer communications, monitoring performance, and adjusting strategies as needed to maximize impact.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure the smooth execution of campaigns and offers. Align on campaign objectives, KPIs, and performance metrics to drive cohesive and measurable outcomes.
• Portfolio Optimization: Utilize segmentation, targeting, and offer personalization techniques to optimize portfolio performance. Continuously refine strategies based on performance data and market trends.
• Financial Performance Management: Support the management of the credit card portfolio’s financial performance by developing forecasts, monitoring actual performance against targets, and identifying opportunities to mitigate risks or headwinds.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure all initiatives and campaigns adhere to internal approval processes and regulatory requirements. Maintain a strong focus on compliance while driving innovation and growth.

Requirements

• Professional Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of relevant experience in banking, payments, or consulting, with a strong focus on credit card portfolio optimization, digital engagement, or card product management. Regional experience in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, is highly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field. An advanced degree or MBA is considered a significant advantage.
• Technical & Functional Knowledge: In-depth understanding of Cards P&L, revenue drivers, loyalty programs, and campaign management methodologies. Experience with performance analytics and customer segmentation is essential.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is mandatory. Proficiency in Arabic is a strong asset and will be considered a differentiator.
• Track Record: Proven experience in campaign execution, customer segmentation, and performance analytics, with a demonstrated ability to drive measurable results in a dynamic financial services environment.

Employment Details

This is an initial 12-month contract role based in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a high potential for extension based on performance and business needs. The position is open to candidates from across the globe, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of a leading financial institution in a dynamic and evolving market.