Senior Program Manager – Payments (Freelance, Berlin/Hybrid)

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead a complex post‑merger integration of two payment delivery units. The role is freelance, based in Berlin with a hybrid work model (three days onsite per week). You will act as a neutral Value Creation Project Lead, ensuring smooth transition and delivery without disrupting timelines.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and enforce project governance, communication channels, reporting lines and meeting cadences across both parties.
• Lead cross‑functional teams from Engineering, Product, Finance and Operations to meet strict deadlines.
• Manage senior stakeholders up to Managing Director level, providing transparent, steering‑committee‑ready updates.
• Consolidate scattered information into a single, structured program plan.
• Identify risks independently, design mitigation plans and make critical decisions in ambiguous situations.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading large‑scale payments integration programs in fintech or banking environments.
• Extensive background in governance and program management of complex IT/product integrations.
• Ability to act as a neutral mediator between differing team cultures.
• High emotional intelligence to navigate sensitive dynamics during the merged team’s ramp‑down.
• Fluent business English, both written and spoken.

Required skills

• Payments integration expertise.
• Program governance and risk management.
• Stakeholder management at senior executive level.