Industry Relationship Manager - Home Furnishings/Department Stores #8176

Location: Riverwoods, IL UNITED STATES

Functional Area: Relationship Management

Min Pay Rate: $0

Max Pay Rate: $0

Pay Type: Year

Resource Type: Full Time

Job Description:
Job Description:

The Discover Network Industry Relationship Manager (IRM) is directly responsible for the overall performance and client management of all assigned merchants within the industry portfolio. Performance criteria includes:

1. Sales growth and market-share improvement

2. Pricing parity and profitability

3. Strategic initiatives and marketing programs

4. Operational improvements and enhancements

5. Fraud/Risk mitigation and bankruptcy management

6. Business development and industry relations.

The IRM manages a portfolio of merchant accounts (typically 25) within a specific region, industry or strategic category. IRMs are directly responsible for portfolio profitability, development and client management. The IRM executes Discover Network?s corporate goals, objectives and business initiatives as aligned to the National Accounts Department. This individual also serves as an internal resource and expert on the assigned clients, merchant portfolio and industry segment. IRMs manage Discover Network merchants within the following vertical industries: Supermarkets / Petroleum, Retail Hard Lines, Retail Soft Lines, Retail Services and Travel & Entertainment.



Principle Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Manage assigned strategic and/or industry client relationships to increase profitability, sales volume and market-share. Identify and refer key business opportunities, handle important negotiations and manage critical merchant issues.

2. Execute merchant pricing plans, strategies and parity initiatives. Manage merchant contract, portfolio alignment issues and special projects.

3. Mitigate revenue erosion, ensure client retention and customer satisfaction. Manage and execute risk, fraud and bankruptcy initiatives. Support Network Operations policies and initiatives to improve processing efficiencies and reduce fraud and expenses.

4. Assist with the execution of Retail Partner Marketing Promotional programs. Ensure signage parity and acceptance continuity.

5. Build rapport and establish executive level and cross-functional business relationships (i.e. marketing, operations and finance) to expand Discover Networks? contact database. Provide strategic information on merchant accounts, competitive landscape, and business environment and industry dynamics. Garner knowledge, merchant expertise and develop competitive intelligence to identity and capitalize on business opportunities.

6. Participate in industry conferences, events and seminars to improve visibility, knowledge and awareness. Assist with the execution of strategic and tactical plans for industry relations.

7. Providing strategic information on merchant accounts, competitive landscape, and business environment and industry dynamics. Establish and maintain relationships with 3rd party processing organizations.



SKILLS
Required:
Key Skills/Competencies and Proficiency Levels:

College degree or equivalent experience required. Requires excellent computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Lotus Notes), excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent organizational relationship management experience, preferably with major accounts. In depth payments industry background is desired including an understanding of the industry landscape (i.e. merchants, issuers, acquirers, etc...), card types (i.e. Debit, Credit, Commercial, Stored Value, etc. .) and industry pricing methodology (i.e. interchange).



Anywhere from 25-60% travel is typically required.


Desired:


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