VAR Implementation Specialist - #P132538

The Chip Center of Excellence team within Global Products and Solutions is responsible for developing, managing and implementing advanced payment products across Discover Financial Services. These products are based on technologies such as EMV and Contactless (i.e. NFC). EMV is a specification for secure transactions between cards with integrated chips (chip cards), POS terminals capable of reading chip cards, issuers and acquirers. The EMV specifications broadly impact the payment ecosystem from card issuing to merchant acquiring. D-PAS is Discover Financial Services’ EMV-compliant payment specificationThis position will be responsible for supporting the implementation of these products with external partners and clients, as well as providing subject matter expertise and guidance to internal teams that provide support for the products. Key areas of focus will include:• Managing strategic and ongoing activities for deploying Discover’s EMV products: provide consultative input and implementation support to VARs (Value Added Resellers), including ISVs (Independent Software Vendor), Gateways, and other industry players.• Ensure collaboration and provide consultative input to internal business partners, as well external vendors, acquirers, processors and merchants as required.• Liaison for Chip Center of Excellence and across Discover Network, Diners Club International, and PULSE to provide strategic guidance and SME input for EMV related activities in the VAR Channel.This employee will build relationships with VARs, ISVs, Gateways, as well as Acquirers and Merchants by providing support to operations, sales and technical teams, and by providing the subject matter expertise throughout partner product implementations.

1. Ensure EMV implementation goals are met by creating a clear strategy for the VAR segment and providing SME support to internal and external partners to deliver against the strategy.
2. Align approach for VARs with CCOE and across key business partners and manage clear communications around progress against strategy.
3. Contribute technical content to marketing materials, training documentation, client—facing presentations, and other materials as required.
4. Represent DFS at industry and client events, and prepare and deliver SME-level presentations to all levels of internal and external management.
5. Responds effectively to each customer’s specific needs and provides an appropriate solution.
6. Support EMV product management in assessing, performing POCs (Proof of Concept) and deploying any new EMV products or enhancements that may impact relevant business partners.
7. Enthusiastically accepts different assignments based on business or customer needs
8. Continue to assess opportunities to improve deployment processes and develop efficiency programs. Leverages relationships to gain insight into alternative approaches and processes

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred• The candidate must have extensive payments experience, preferably with chip card (5-7 years)• Extensive experience with the U.S. VAR landscape• Experienced in managing multiple partner / vendor relationships simultaneously; must possess excellent client management skills.• Has successfully led and implemented business critical projects of large scope, including a large number of work group members and large budget• Strong PC competency (MS Office products, Visio, and Microsoft Project) required• Well-developed presentation skills, including the ability to effectively deliver information to internal and external constituents at all levels• This position will require the candidate to perform a wide variety of tasks; a wide degree of creativity is expected• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills• Strong aptitude for planning and organization, detail - oriented• Candidate must be able to travel within the US and internationally
Lean, Six Sigma and/or demonstrated process improvement expertise a plus

**position maybe located in Phoenix, AZ, Riverwoods, IL or New Ablany, OH We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.