Sr. Lead Program Manager

At Early Warning, we’ve powered and protected the U.S. financial system for over thirty years with cutting-edge solutions like Zelle®, Paze®, and so much more. As a trusted name in payments, we partner with thousands of institutions to increase access to financial services and protect transactions for hundreds of millions of consumers and small businesses. Positions located in Scottsdale, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York follow a hybrid work model to allow for a more collaborative working environment. Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States, for any employer, at the date of hire. This position is ineligible for employment Visa sponsorship. Overall Purpose The Sr. Fraud Program Manager is responsible for leading and maturing key components of Paze’s Fraud Program to safeguard customers and protect the integrity of the platform. This role operates at a strategic and executional level — owning large, complex, cross‑functional fraud initiatives while influencing enterprise stakeholders across Product, Engineering, Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Operations. The Sr. Lead partners closely with Fraud leadership to translate strategic objectives into scalable program structures, technical requirements, governance, and measurable outcomes. This position serves as the most senior individual contributor within the Fraud Risk Program function and may mentor other program managers. Essential Functions Lead the design, execution, and continuous improvement of major components of the Fraud Risk Program. Translate fraud strategy into executable roadmaps, epics, features, and technical requirements. Own delivery of large, complex, technology‑intensive fraud initiatives spanning multiple interrelated workstreams. Establish program governance frameworks, operating rhythms, KPIs, reporting mechanisms, and risk controls. Proactively monitor fraud performance metrics relative to targets; identify emerging risks and drive mitigation strategies. Lead program‑level risk identification, issue resolution, and change control across cross‑functional teams. Partner with Product, Engineering, Architecture, Security, Compliance, and Legal to align fraud risk capabilities with business strategy and roadmap priorities. Drive vendor oversight for fraud‑related third‑party solutions, ensuring performance, compliance, and risk standards are met. Develop and formalize fraud risk standards, policies, controls, and documentation aligned to regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Influence decision‑making at senior leadership levels through data‑driven recommendations and executive‑ready communication. Mentor and provide guidance to other Fraud Risk Program Managers to elevate program delivery practices. Support the company’s commitment to enterprise risk management and protection of systems and data integrity. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Computer Science, Risk Management, or related field. Typically, 12+ years of experience in banking, payments, fraud risk, or related risk management roles. 5+ years of experience leading large, complex, cross‑functional fraud or payments programs. Demonstrated experience delivering technology‑intensive initiatives in partnership with engineering teams. Advanced knowledge of fraud risk management tools, controls, governance models, and industry best practices. Strong executive communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders. Proven ability to operate autonomously in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven mindset. PMP, Agile, Scrum, or equivalent program management certification (or equivalent experience). Background and drug screen. Preferred Qualifications Experience in digital banking, payments networks, or wallet ecosystems. Deep familiarity with fraud analytics, decision engines, or risk platforms. Experience scaling fraud programs in high‑growth environments. SAS, SQL, or comparable analytical coding experience. Demonstrated experience mentoring or leading other program managers. Physical Requirements Working conditions consist of a normal office environment. Work is primarily sedentary and requires extensive use of a computer and involves sitting for periods of approximately four hours. Work may require occasional standing, walking, kneeling, and reaching. Must be able to lift 10 pounds occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently. Requires visual acuity and dexterity to view, prepare, and manipulate documents and office equipment including personal computers. Requires the ability to communicate with internal and/or external customers. Employee must be able to perform essential functions and physical requirements of position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States at the date of hire. The above job description is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow instructions and perform other related duties as assigned by their supervisor. The Base Pay Scale For This Position In Phoenix, AZ/ Chicago, IL / Washington, DC in USD per year is: $129,000 - $161,000. New York, NY/ San Francisco, CA in USD per year is: $154,000 - $193,000. Additionally, candidates are eligible for a discretionary incentive plan and benefits. This pay scale is subject to change and is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific candidate, which is always dependent on legitimate factors considered at the time of job offer. Early Warning Services takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining a competitive salary offer, including, but not limited to, the job scope, market rates and geographic location of a position, candidate’s education, experience, training, and specialized skills or certification(s) in relation to the job requirements and compared with internal equity (peers). The business actively supports and reviews wage equity to ensure that pay decisions are not based on gender, race, national origin, or any other protected classes. Some of the Ways We Prioritize Your Health and Happiness Healthcare Coverage –Competitive medical (PPO/HDHP), dental, and vision plans as well as company contributions to your Health Savings Account (HSA) or pre‑tax savings through flexible spending accounts (FSA) for commuting, health & dependent care expenses. 401(k) Retirement Plan –Featuring a 100% Company Safe Harbor Match on your first 6% deferral immediately upon eligibility. Paid Time Off – Flexible Time Off for Exempt (salaried) employees, as well as generous PTO for Non‑Exempt (hourly) employees, plus 11 paid company holidays and a paid volunteer day. 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave Maven Family Planning – provides support through your Parenting journey including egg freezing, fertility, adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy, postpartum, early pediatrics, and returning to work. And SO much more! We continue to enhance our program, so be sure to check our Benefits page here for the latest. Our team can share more during the interview process! Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Early Warning Services, LLC (“Early Warning”) considers for employment, hires, retains and promotes qualified candidates on the basis of ability, potential, and valid qualifications without regard to race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law, and as such affirms in policy and practice to support and promote equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and municipal laws. The company also prohibits discrimination on other bases such as medical condition, marital status or any other factor that is irrelevant to the performance of our employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr Early Warning