Payments Strategy Specialist Internally, this role is known as a Payments Specialist. £70,000 - £75,000 (+ Benefits) Grade: P3MP Reports to: Head of Finance Operations with a matrix line into the Head of Propositions. Contract: 18 month fixed‑term contract. Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week. Location: Stratford, London. Office‑based with high flexibility (1–2 days per week in the office). Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship. Responsibilities Strategic Advisory & Risk Management

Advising on payment trends, regulations, and innovations for regular donations, one‑time payments, and marketplace transactions. Assessing and mitigating risks associated with delays in payment strategy implementation, ensuring compliance and continuity. Defining clear governance and change management plans. Ensuring payment processes are secure and compliant with regulations.

Laying the foundations

Utilising subject‑matter expertise to lead the assessment, scoping, and redesign of Cancer Research UK’s payment landscape, infrastructure, and strategy. Producing a unified view of payment strategy and associated action plans. Reviewing insight and business cases to identify opportunities for improvement. Reporting and tracking progress on actions, mitigating risks and escalating barriers.

Optimising & innovating

Leading initiatives to introduce new payment capabilities and propositions (including methods like Open Banking, A2A, and recurring payments). Collaborating with Product and Technology teams to deliver enhancements that improve supporter experience and operational efficiency. Driving test‑and‑learn pilots on payment innovations.

Identifying opportunities for savings

Review contracts and processes to identify cost‑saving opportunities and work with suppliers to maximise value for the charity.

Leading cross‑functionally

Collaborating cross‑functionally, acting as a liaison to ensure financial operations are fully aligned with Cancer Research UK’s strategic priorities and objectives. Building credible and collaborative relationships across commercial, Product, Technology, Engineering, senior leadership, and the wider charity to define priorities and deliver against objectives.

Skills & qualifications

Payments product or proposition expert who has operated within large merchant or acquiring businesses that handle thousands of transactions across multiple income streams.

An e‑commerce, marketplace, or banking background would be advantageous, but we welcome applicants from a range of industries.

Expert knowledge of payment flows, alternative payment methods, and processing systems, with experience ensuring all processes are secure and fully compliant with regulatory requirements. A strategic and innovative leader with a successful track record of developing and delivering commercially sound payment strategies and driving complex, cross‑functional projects in high‑growth environments. Has built credible and collaborative stakeholder relationships with strong interpersonal, communication, influencing, and negotiating skills (including senior leadership, Technology, and Product teams). Commercially minded with experience managing supplier relationships and driving financial value through partnerships and payment processes. A resilient and adaptable leader with experience driving change and leading and motivating teams and stakeholders in navigating ambiguity and responding to evolving business needs. A proactive, solutions‑focused approach to problem‑solving, encouraging innovation, promoting best practices, and challenging conventional organisational approaches and thinking.

Benefits We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high‑quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work‑life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. If you require adjustments, please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18. #J-18808-Ljbffr