Head of Small Business - Elan Financial Services

At U.S. Bank, we’re on a journey to do our best. Helping the customers and businesses we serve to make better and smarter financial decisions and enabling the communities we support to grow and succeed. We believe it takes all of us to bring our shared ambition to life, and each person is unique in their potential. A career with U.S. Bank gives you a wide, ever-growing range of opportunities to discover what makes you thrive at every stage of your career. Try new things, learn new skills and discover what you excel at—all from Day One.

Job Description

With a strong enterprise focus on Payments and partner-led growth, Elan Financial Services is committed to accelerating its expansion in the Small Business segment. This role will lead the strategy and execution required to scale Elan’s Small Business portfolio across its financial institution partner network.

Reporting to the Head of Elan, this executive will serve as a key member of the Elan leadership team. This individual will be responsible for integrating Product, Partner Management, Marketing, Risk, and Technology capabilities to deliver a differentiated, partner-centric Small Business value proposition.

The Head of Small Business will be accountable for managing, growing, and transforming Elan’s Small Business credit card portfolio. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to deepen existing relationships, unlock new growth opportunities, and position Elan as the partner of choice for Small Business payments. Core responsibilities include P&L ownership, partner growth and retention, product innovation, digital origination expansion, risk management, and operational excellence.

This leader will define and execute a multi-year strategy that strengthens Elan’s competitive position, enhances the partner and end-customer experience, and delivers sustainable, profitable growth. The role requires leading through transformation—modernizing capabilities, scaling digital channels, and advancing Elan’s long-term strategic agenda.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Set and Drive Small Business Strategy
Develop and execute a clear, multi-year strategy for Elan’s Small Business portfolio—aligned to enterprise priorities and tailored to the FI partner model. Define where Elan will win, how it will differentiate, and the capabilities required to scale.

Deliver Profitable Growth Through Partners
Own and drive P&L performance, accelerating account growth, spend, and retention across the partner base. Identify whitespace opportunities, expand penetration within existing partners, and enable new partner acquisition in targeted segments.

Lead the Partner-Centric Growth Model
Strengthen Elan’s value proposition to financial institution partners—embedding Small Business as a core component of the broader relationship. Drive alignment with partner executives to co-create growth plans and deliver shared outcomes.

Advance Product and Digital Innovation
Lead the development and evolution of Small Business card products, including digital-first capabilities, differentiated rewards/value propositions, and integrated solutions that meet the evolving needs of small business owners.

Drive Interconnected Growth Across PCS
Partner closely across PCS and U.S. Bank (e.g., Small Business Banking, Treasury, Merchant, Consumer) to unlock cross-sell and ecosystem value. Champion an interconnected strategy that maximizes franchise value.

Lead Transformation and Execution
Drive key transformation initiatives impacting Small Business—including digital origination, servicing modernization, and data/analytics capabilities. Ensure disciplined execution with clear milestones and outcomes.

Build and Lead a High-Performing Team
Attract, develop, and retain top talent and foster a performance-driven, accountable culture aligned with Elan’s values.

Ensure Strong Risk and Governance Discipline
Operate within U.S. Bank’s risk appetite while enabling growth. Ensure adherence to all regulatory, compliance, and risk management requirements, and proactively identify and mitigate emerging risks.

TALENT PROFILE / KEY SKILLS

The ideal candidate is a proven business leader with deep experience in payments, small business, and/or partner-led distribution models. They bring a strong track record of driving growth, leading transformation, and building high-performing teams.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience with full P&L accountability and demonstrated delivery of measurable growth outcomes
• Deep experience in payments, credit cards, or small business financial services; partner-based or co-brand/agent issuing experience strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of the Small Business segment, including customer needs, competitive dynamics, and emerging trends
• Proven ability to scale businesses through partner ecosystems and indirect distribution models
• Experience leading large, cross-functional transformation initiatives, including digital and technology-enabled change
• Strong strategic orientation with the ability to translate strategy into executable plans and deliver results at pace
• Executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders internally and externally, including FI partner executives
• Track record of building and leading high-performing, diverse teams in a complex, matrixed environment
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, with disciplined approach to investment, pricing, and portfolio management
• Results-driven, with a bias for action and accountability; operates with urgency and ownership
• Skilled in navigating ambiguity, aligning stakeholders, and driving decisions across competing priorities
• Deep appreciation for risk management, compliance, and operating within a highly regulated environment

LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

• Drives Vision and Strategy: Defines a clear ambition for Small Business within Elan and mobilizes the organization to deliver against it
• Delivers Results: Consistently meets or exceeds growth and financial commitments while balancing long-term investments
• Leads Through Transformation: Champions innovation and drives change at scale across a complex organization
• Builds High-Performing Teams: Develops talent, fosters accountability, and creates an inclusive, high-performance culture
• Strengthens Partnerships: Builds deep, trust-based relationships with FI partners and internal stakeholders
• Operates with Discipline: Balances growth with strong risk, governance, and operational rigor

If there’s anything we can do to accommodate a disability during any portion of the application or hiring process, please refer to our disability accommodations for applicants.

Benefits:

Our approach to benefits and total rewards considers our team members’ whole selves and what may be needed to thrive in and outside work. That's why our benefits are designed to help you and your family boost your health, protect your financial security and give you peace of mind. Our benefits include the following:

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)

• Basic term and optional term life insurance

• Short-term and long-term disability

• Pregnancy disability and parental leave

• 401(k) and employer-funded retirement plan

• Paid vacation (from two to five weeks depending on salary grade and tenure)

• Up to 11 paid holiday opportunities

• Adoption assistance

• Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 80 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law

Review our full benefits available by employment status here .

U.S. Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, and other factors protected under applicable law.

E-Verify

U.S. Bank participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program in all facilities located in the United States and certain U.S. territories. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

The salary range reflects figures based on the primary location, which is listed first. The actual range for the role may differ based on the location of the role. In addition to salary, U.S. Bank offers a comprehensive benefits package, including incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase 401(k) contribution and pension (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). Pay Range: $170,255.00 - $200,300.00

U.S. Bank will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment. U.S. Bank conducts background checks consistent with applicable local laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act as well as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. U.S. Bank is subject to, and conducts background checks consistent with the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA). In addition, certain positions may also be subject to the requirements of FINRA, NMLS registration, Reg Z, Reg G, OFAC, the NFA, the FCPA, the Bank Secrecy Act, the SAFE Act, and/or federal guidelines applicable to an agreement, such as those related to ethics, safety, or operational procedures.

Applicants must be able to comply with U.S. Bank policies and procedures including the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and related workplace conduct and safety policies.

Posting may be closed earlier due to high volume of applicants.