Schemes Lead

About the role

The Fintech Business Unit powers payments for Booking.com, a Top 5 global payment merchant and one of the world's largest e-commerce platforms. With fintech hubs in London, Amsterdam, Bangalore, and NYC, we manage payment processes across 40+ global currencies, processing billions of euros annually. Our vision is to build the world's largest embedded finance organization across all categories. Role Description: The Scheme Lead is responsible for defining and executing the end-to-end strategy for card scheme relationships (e.g., Visa, Mastercard), with full ownership of the associated initiatives and P&L impact. This role acts as the primary interface between Booking Holdings (BKNG) and payment schemes, managing partnerships holistically across both traveller and partner payment flows. You will lead all commercial conversations externally while ensuring alignment across teams and functions internally. Key Job Responsibilities and Duties: Scheme Strategy & Ownership Define and lead the overall scheme strategy, including commercial priorities and long-term partnership approach. Own the end-to-end P&L related to schemes Manage schemes holistically across pay-in and pay-out, ensuring a unified and optimized approach. Commercial Negotiations & Partnerships Lead all negotiations with card schemes Act as the primary external representative ("face of BKNG") in engagements with schemes. Manage strategic relationships across schemes Cost Management & P&L Optimization Drive visibility, control, and optimization of all scheme-related fees. Develop and execute strategies to manage cost and optimise P&L Cross-functional Collaboration Work closely with Legal, Finance, Product, and Partner teams to align on priorities and execution. Ensure coordinated delivery of scheme-related initiatives across the organization. Qualifications & Skills Strong experience and expertise in payments, especially in card schemes and network partnerships. Proven track record in leading complex commercial negotiations with global payment partners Strong P&L ownership experience, with the ability to manage cost drivers and deliver measurable financial impact. Deep understanding of card economics, cross-border payments, interchange, and scheme fee structures. Experience with Virtual Credit Cards (VCC) and B2B payment flows is highly preferred. Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution capabilities. Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, both internally and externally. Ability to balance long-term strategic partnerships with short-term commercial outcomes. Benefits & Perks - Global Impact, Personal Relevance: Booking.com's Total Rewards Philosophy is not only about compensation but also about benefits. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, as well unique-to-Booking.com benefits which include: Annual paid time off and generous paid leave scheme including: parent, grandparent, bereavement, and care leave Hybrid working including flexible working arrangements, and up to 20 days per year working from abroad (home country) Industry leading product discounts - up to 1400 per year - for yourself, including automatic Genius Level 3 status and Booking.com wallet credit Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at Booking.com: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion have been a core part of our company culture since day one. This ongoing journey starts with our very own employees, who represent over 140 nationalities and a wide range of ethnic and social backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations. Take it from our Chief People Officer, Paulo Pisano: "At Booking.com, the diversity of our people doesn't just build an outstanding workplace, it also creates a better and more inclusive travel experience for everyone. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. It's a place where you can make your mark and have a real impact in travel and tech." We ensure that colleagues with disabilities are provided the adjustments and tools they need to participate in the job application and interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Application Process: Let's go places together: How we Hire This role does not come with relocation assistance. Booking.com is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strive to move well beyond traditional equal opportunity and work to create an environment that allows everyone to thrive. Pre-Employment Screening If your application is successful, your personal data may be used for a pre-employment screening check by a third party as permitted by applicable law. Depending on the vacancy and applicable law, a pre-employment screening may include em