Strategic Relationship Manager I

About Blackhawk Network

Today, through BHN’s single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world’s largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, egifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN’s network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints. Learn more at BHN.com.

This position may be performed remotely anywhere within the United States except for the State of Alaska, North Dakota, or South Dakota. Employees located within 50 miles of a BHN office will be considered a "Hybrid" employee and are required to come into the office 2 days per week based on office schedule.

Overview

The Strategic Relationship Manager (SRM) is a key leader responsible for driving the digital and commerce strategy of the organization. This client-facing role focuses on building and maintaining strong partner relationships to drive revenue growth through branded payment solutions, including gift cards, digital rewards, and emerging payment innovations. The SRM works cross-functionally with internal teams and external retail and digital partners to develop strategies, manage initiatives, and execute programs that expand distribution, enhance customer experience, and strengthen brand presence across both digital and in-store channels. This role plays a critical part in developing and executing comprehensive go-to-market initiatives that grow online and in-store gift card share, elevate the customer experience, and advance the company’s overall digital capabilities. The SRM collaborates across Product, Marketing, Operations, and Finance to align commerce efforts with broader business objectives, ensuring seamless integration of technology, marketing, and customer engagement to deliver measurable growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead the digital commerce strategy for key partners, driving growth through branded payment solutions including gift cards, digital rewards, and loyalty integrations.
• Build and manage partner relationships, ensuring alignment on goals, performance, and long-term strategic vision.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, Sales, IT, and Finance to deliver seamless, innovative programs across both digital and in-store channels.
• Enhance the partner and customer experience by optimizing the digital journey, improving conversion, and advancing omni-channel engagement.
• Leverage data and insights to guide decision-making, monitor KPIs, and build annual growth plans and performance playbooks for key accounts.
• Champion marketing and brand excellence, ensuring consistent positioning and strong retail and digital presence across distribution partners.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation within the commerce ecosystem.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Proven ability to sell-in complex initiatives using excellent solution and consultative sales skills
• Ability to apply creative thinking to the sales process
• Ability to understand and manage details of programs and explain key elements to partners and internal teams
• Proven ability to think strategically, formulate action plans and sell them through to management
• Ability to build trust with partners
• Ability to learn and communicate complex and intangible product concepts that are still in development
• Excellent interpersonal skills, time management, and multi-tasking abilities
• Ability to prioritize and manage numerous projects on tight deadlines with limited direction.
• High degree of initiative and keen sense of urgency

Experience and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, or related field required
• 0+ years in account management, partnerships, or business development
• Experience managing enterprise-level clients or strategic accounts
• Background in payments, gift cards, fintech, retail, or digital commerce (strongly preferred)
• Proven track record of revenue growth, retention, and expansion
• Experience working cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Marketing, Finance, and Legal
• Exposure to contract negotiations, pricing strategy, and commercial deal structuring
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in driving and achieving business goals.

We seek candidates who not only demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in emerging technologies but have also successfully implemented and utilized AI tools to enhance their work, improve processes, or deliver measurable results. Our teams embrace continuous learning and the thoughtful integration of AI to create meaningful impact – for our employees and the future of work.

Benefits

OTE for all U.S. Residents (excluding Alaska, California, North Dakota, South Dakota): $70,730.00 - 92,000.00

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, Blackhawk Network offers benefits including 401k with employer match, medical, dental, vision, 12 paid holidays throughout the year 2026, sick pay accrual according to state law, parental leave, life insurance, disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, wellness benefits, and flexible time off for all full-time employees.

EEO Statement

Blackhawk Network provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Blackhawk Network believes that diversity leads to strength. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Blackhawk Network encourages applicants with previous criminal records to apply to all positions and, pursuant to the San Francisco and Los Angeles Fair Chance Acts (and other “Fair Chance” laws), Blackhawk Network will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. For Philadelphia applicants or jobs, please see a copy of Philadelphia’s ordinance on this topic by clicking this link: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-280104.