Head of Partnerships

Head of Strategic Partnerships & Distribution New York City | Hybrid, 2–3 days per week A scaling US fintech is hiring a senior partnerships leader to build and grow its partnership and distribution capability across the United States. This is a hands‑on, commercially focused role for someone who can shape strategy while personally originating, negotiating and activating high‑value partnerships. You will help create new routes to market across fintech, banking, lending, payments, SaaS, marketplace and embedded‑finance ecosystems. Why this opportunity stands out You will have the opportunity to: Build a strategically important commercial function from an early stage Influence partnership, distribution and go‑to‑market strategy Take ownership of partnerships from first conversation through to commercial launch Work across business finance, payments and embedded‑finance propositions Help establish repeatable partnership models and processes Build the foundations for a future partnerships team What you will do Develop and execute a US partnership and distribution strategy Identify and engage high‑potential platform and ecosystem partners Build compelling commercial propositions and business cases Lead partnership discussions, negotiations and deal structuring Take signed partnerships through activation and into measurable commercial performance Work closely with product, sales, technology, legal, compliance and other internal stakeholders Build practical playbooks, processes and performance frameworks Represent the business credibly with senior external decision‑makers Essential experience Strong strategic partnerships or business‑development experience within fintech, banking, lending, payments or embedded finance Evidence of personally originating and closing complex commercial partnerships Responsibility for revenue, origination or other measurable commercial outcomes Experience building a new partnership channel, proposition or distribution route Exposure to platform, SaaS, marketplace, API or technology‑led partnerships Strong commercial judgement, including partner economics and incentive structures Ability to operate strategically while remaining close to execution Desirable experience SME or commercial‑lending partnerships B2B payments, commercial cards or embedded lending Partnerships involving vertical SaaS, marketplaces, accounting, ERP, AP, AR or procurement platforms API‑led product integrations P&L ownership or previous team‑building experience Experience across both a major financial institution and a scaling fintech This role would suit a senior partnerships professional who wants broader ownership, direct commercial influence and the opportunity to build rather than inherit an established function. Applications are encouraged from candidates with relevant transferable experience, even where their background does not match every desirable criterion. #J-18808-Ljbffr