Senior Consultant (SMR) Strategic Merchant Relations Bentonville (AR) #P128071

Senior Consultant - Strategic Merchant Relations Bentonville, AR

The Sr. Consultant is directly responsible for leading the sales, business development and client management efforts for all merchants within an assigned portfolio. These efforts include 1) driving sales growth and market-share improvement 2) ensuring profitability and pricing parity; 3) executing strategic initiatives and marketing programs; and 4) implementing operational improvements and enhancements.

This individual will add value to their clients, team and company by :
• Building, expanding and cultivating client relationships
• Creating and enhancing customer value
• Developing internal sponsors and establishing rapport with key influencers
• Participating and sometimes owning important negotiations and critical client issues
• Mapping and aligning Discover Network’s initiatives to the internal goals and priorities of the strategic account to optimize and create strategic value
• Managing and assisting in resolution of customer satisfaction issues
• Possessing an expert knowledge and a deep understanding of the strategic account’s business, organizational culture and key priorities
• Participating in industry conferences, events and seminars to improve visibility, knowledge and awareness
• Assisting with the execution of strategic and tactical plans for industry relations
• Sharing best practices and industry knowledge with department colleagues
• Participating in Natural Work Groups to help establish departmental processes. procedures and business strategies
• Serving as an internal resource and subject matter expert on their assigned clients, merchant portfolio and industry segment

Requirements
• Live or relocate to Bentonville, AR

• Self-motivated and energetic and
• Willing to learn and take direction at times and be able to work independently without supervision at others
• Successful individual contributor, but also a team player and able to work, accomplish goals and be recognized as both
Leadership Responsibilities
May lead functional teams or projects
Amount of Supervison
• Comfortable working independently.
• Participates in determining objectives of assignments, meetings and projects.
• Plans, schedules, and arranges own activities in order to accomplish objectives
Decision-making
• Latitude for independent judgment and decision making within defined guidelines.
• Gathers information, consults those who need to be involved, and puts decisions into action.
• Considers the implications of options when making a difficult decision
Communication Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Promote a risk-aware culture, ensure efficient and effective risk and compliance management practices by adhering to required standards and processes.

Qualifications

1. College degree or equivalent experience required
2. Minimum of seven years major account sales/relationship management experience
3. In depth understanding of the payments industry (i.e., credit, debit, stored value, various card products, etc.) and pricing methodology (i.e., interchange and other industry fees)
4. Experience in building strong, collaborative relationships with multiple departments within a merchant account
5. Strong prioritization, planning, and analytical skills required
6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
Lean, Six Sigma and/or demonstrated process improvement expertise a plus We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.