Financial Services Manager

SUMMARY

The Manager, Financial Services is responsible for managing and optimizing the portfolio of financial service offerings available to customers at the store level. This role oversees strategic vendor relationships, contract management, financial performance, and cross-functional coordination for a variety of customer-facing financial services that support underbanked and cash-dependent customers.

The role partners closely with internal stakeholders across finance, operations, marketing, accounting, and store leadership to ensure these services are profitable, compliant with contractual obligations, and effectively communicated and executed across the organization. The manager is responsible for identifying opportunities to improve service offerings, enhance customer accessibility to financial services, and ensure alignment with the organization’s broader strategic objectives.

This role will manage a portfolio of vendor relationships including, but not limited to, ATM services, check cashing solutions, coin-counting services, lottery programs, and other store-level financial services. Over time, the role may expand to assume additional strategic partnerships and services as business needs evolve.

Job can be located in either Buffalo or Schenectady, NY. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Vendor & Partnership Management

• Manage and maintain key external vendor relationships supporting store-level financial services.
• Oversee partnerships including services such as ATM providers, coin-counting services, lottery programs, check cashing solutions, and other financial service offerings.
• Maintain deep understanding of vendor agreements, contractual obligations, and service-level commitments.
• Identify opportunities to improve or expand services while ensuring compliance with contract terms and business objectives.
• Lead contract renewals, vendor negotiations, and service evaluations in collaboration with legal, finance, and executive leadership.

Financial Performance & Analysis

• Monitor and analyze the financial performance of all financial service programs, including revenue generation, cost structures, and profitability.
• Partner with accounting and finance teams to ensure accurate reporting, reconciliation, and forecasting related to these services.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Coordinate with marketing, operations, store leadership, accounting, and finance teams to support the implementation and management of financial services programs.
• Ensure internal stakeholders understand contractual requirements, operational impacts, and financial considerations.
• Support the rollout of service updates, program changes, or new offerings across operating companies and store locations.
• Serve as a key point of contact for operational questions related to these services.

Store & Operational Support

• Communicate program updates, changes, and best practices to store teams and operating companies.
• Support store leadership by answering questions and resolving issues related to financial services programs.
• Ensure operational processes support both customer needs and organizational compliance requirements.

Program Development & Strategic Initiatives

• Evaluate new opportunities to enhance customer financial service offerings.
• Lead or support cross-functional initiatives related to customer financial services, vendor partnerships, and operational improvements.
• Provide insights and recommendations to executive leadership regarding strategic opportunities, risks, and performance trends.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide leadership and guidance to supporting team members responsible for day-to-day operational support.
• Develop team capabilities by increasing exposure to vendor management, financial analysis, and program operations.
• Foster a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and professional growth.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and monitor service-level agreements (SLAs).
• Knowledge of retail financial services programs such as ATMs, check cashing, lottery, money services, or similar offerings preferred.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across departments and leadership levels.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, for financial analysis, reporting, and presentations.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience) 
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in financial services, retail financial programs, vendor management, or related financial operations
• 3+ years of experience managing external vendor relationships and service contract.
• Experience working in a multi-unit retail, financial services, or consumer services environment strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives and coordinating with finance, operations, marketing, and executive stakeholders
• Prior people leadership or project leadership experience preferred

Use of AI in Our Work
At Northeast Grocery, we encourage the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help increase efficiency, productivity, and quality of work. Corporate team members may be expected to leverage AI-enabled tools to support tasks such as analysis, content development, problem-solving, and process improvement. All AI use must align with company policies, data privacy standards, and ethical guidelines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

EQUIPMENT USED

• Computer (multi-system retail platforms)
• Copy/Fax Machine
• Printers