Head of DACH; issuing sales

Head of DACH Region – Card Issuing & Payments Platform

We are currently supporting a European leader in digital payments and payment infrastructure in their search for a senior commercial leader to drive market expansion in the DACH region. Our client provides a fully managed, white-label card issuing platform for banks, fintechs, and corporates. This role will be responsible for establishing and scaling that business in the region.

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up. The remit is not to manage an existing operation, but to define and execute the go-to-market strategy, shape the local presence, and build a high-performing commercial organization.

Our client is prioritizing DACH as a key growth market. The selected leader will operate with significant autonomy, direct visibility with senior leadership, and a clear mandate to establish a strong market position.

The role suits someone who thrives on entrepreneurial execution—someone who is energized by growth, can work within complexity, and can influence both traditional financial institutions and digital-first players.

• Define and execute the commercial strategy for the DACH issuing market

• Identify and prioritize client segments across banks, neobanks, fintechs, and corporate issuers

• Position the platform as the preferred partner for Payment-as-a-Service solutions

• Monitor market evolution, regulation, and competitive dynamics

• Own revenue targets, pipeline development, and sales processes

• Lead complex enterprise sales cycles and negotiate strategic commercial agreements

• Develop scalable sales and business development frameworks

• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders across the ecosystem

• Recruit, lead, and develop a commercial team as the business scales

• Establish a culture centered around pace, ownership, and customer value

• Work closely with product, marketing, and operations teams across the broader organization

• Cultivate long-term partnerships and ensure delivery excellence

• Turn clients into advocates within their networks and the market

• Represent the company in industry discussions and stakeholder forums

• 10+ years in payments, card issuing, transaction banking, or fintech

• Experience launching or scaling businesses, propositions, or new markets

• Strong familiarity with the DACH financial ecosystem and relevant regulatory environment

• Proven track record in enterprise-level B2B sales, ideally with deal sizes of €1M+

• Comfortable working at both strategic and operational levels

• Native German speaker with excellent English communication skills

• Building, scaling, and shaping new market presence

• Challenging established ways of operating within financial services

• Working in an environment where speed and iteration are key to success

• Creating commercial outcomes that have clear and lasting impact

• Direct visibility with senior leadership and strategic influence

• An opportunity to build a market-leading business from the foundation upwards

• A role positioned at the forefront of innovation in European payments

• A platform to become a recognized leader within the regional payments ecosystem