Senior Strategic Operations Lead - Bank Charter

Mercury is pursuing a bank charter: one of the most ambitious and consequential initiatives in the company’s history. We’re looking for a Sr. Program Manager to serve as the operational backbone of this effort, working directly alongside the Bank Management Team.

This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for someone who combines rigor and high-quality execution with the speed and scrappiness of a startup. You’ll own the day-to-day operating rhythm of Mercury’s charter pursuit, build the systems that give leadership visibility into how the program is actually operating, and drive execution across every cross-functional workstream. You’ll be a true thought partner to the team not just executing on their priorities, but helping shape them.

If you’re a problem seeker who thrives in ambiguity, creates structure where none exists, and holds a relentlessly high quality bar, this role is for you.

*Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.

What You’ll Do

Program Management & Execution

• Own day-to-day program management for Mercury’s bank charter initiative: set roadmaps, track milestones, sequence work, and drive accountability across a broad set of cross-functional stakeholders
• Build and run the operating rhythm of the charter program – ensuring teams move at high velocity with clarity on priorities, owners, and timelines
• Drive execution across cross-functional workstreams, translating strategy into action and ensuring follow-through on key decisions
• Surface risks early and clear blockers quickly – you’ll always know where things stand, what’s at risk, and what needs to escalate
• Scope and run special projects within the broader charter effort – from readiness workstreams to operational build-outs

Reporting, Metrics & Visibility

• Build and maintain systems for performance tracking, metrics reporting, and ongoing visibility into how the charter program is operating
• Prepare executive status updates, board materials, and investor-grade presentations
• Drive disciplined reporting cadences – ensure clarity, alignment, and transparency across all charter workstreams without introducing bureaucracy

Leadership Support & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a thought partner to the bank management team
• Run leadership meetings: prepare agendas, capture decisions and action items, and drive follow-through
• Liaise with external consultants and outside counsel to ensure subject matter expertise is brought in at the right time and integrated effectively

Culture & Team Operations

• Own cultural programs and initiatives that support the Charter team’s cohesion and momentum: onsites, company meeting content, pulse surveys
• Be a driver of Mercury’s overall bank readiness – ensuring the organization is prepared across people, process, and technology
• Design AI-enabled workflows and internal systems that support scale and reduce manual/operational work

What We’re Looking For

• 7-10+ years of experience in strategy, consulting, chief of staff type role, program/project management, with exposure to regulated industries (ideally banking or fintech)
• Strong cross-functional partnership skills with a proven ability to influence without authority. You create accountability with people who don’t report to you and drive alignment across teams
• Success managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. You’re a bridge builder who connects strategy to execution
• A problem seeker comfortable with ambiguity and skilled at creating structure where none exists
• A “get things done” mentality: you dissect complex problems, identify solutions, and drive them to completion with a high degree of autonomy
• Exceptional written and verbal communication: exec-ready memos, board-quality decks, investor updates, and the ability to lead a room of senior stakeholders
• Extreme attention to detail with a high regard for precision
• AI fluency: you actively design AI-enabled workflows to increase your leverage, automate operational work, and support scale

Bonus

• Experience working directly with C-suite and board
• Familiarity with bank charter applications, regulatory processes, or financial institution operations
• Experience building operating rhythms, OKR/goal-setting frameworks, or metrics infrastructure from scratch
• Experience with cultural programs, team operations, or internal communications at a high-growth company

The total rewards package at Mercury includes base salary, equity (stock options/RSUs), and benefits.

Our salary and equity ranges are highly competitive within the SaaS and fintech industry and are updated regularly using the most reliable compensation survey data for our industry. New hire offers are made based on a candidate’s experience, expertise, geographic location, and internal pay equity relative to peers.

Our target new hire base salary ranges for this role are the following:

• US employees in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, or the San Francisco Bay Area: $163,000 - 203,800
• US employees outside of the New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, or the San Francisco Bay Area: $146,700 - 183,400
• Canadian employees (any location): CAD 154,100 - 192,600

Mercury values diversity & belonging and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All individuals seeking employment at Mercury are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected characteristic. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process for applicants with disabilities or special needs. If you need assistance, or an accommodation, please let your recruiter know once you are contacted about a role.

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