Lead Business Analyst - Merchant & Card Processing

Overview : Here at Discount Tire, we celebrate the spirit of our people with extraordinary pride and enthusiasm. Our business has been growing for more than 60 years and now is the best time in our history to join us. We are opening more locations every year and we are always looking for qualified individuals to join us in our growth. We are a company that promotes from within, both in our retail and corporate operations. Under minimal supervision, the Principal Business Analyst – Merchant and Card Processing brings innovate views and ideas to our merchant and card processing function to support of one of our enterprise’s operating philosophies : grow responsibly. Serves as the focal point for the non-technical aspects of merchant processing and will work with internal constituents as well as with external vendors to lend a voice in shaping the direction, approach, and standards by which the company operates in a card environment. Embodies IOOGA (Integrity, Our People, Our Customers, Growth and Attitude).Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesOperational ManagementCoordinate merchant environments for new and closing store locations and acquired or divested entitiesRequest new merchant accounts and MIDs for new stores and retire merchant accounts / MIDs for closing locationsStrategize best method(s) to incorporate acquisitions and to further inroads into B2B environments Maintain an inventory of the organization’s merchant account numbers and MIDsWork with the internal stakeholders to research and resolve any card acceptance problems encountered by our operation teams : Suspicious activityMissing transactionsProper cash amount not received from the card networkChargebacksCommunicate any encountered technical operational problems to IT Compliance ManagementGain a fundamental understanding of Discount Tire’s underlying technology / hardware and how it applies to the merchant processing functionEnsure associates are aware of and are complying with data security standards : Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS)AnalyticsDevelop analytics database to facilitate analysis across processors and card networksDetermine causes behind downgrades and chargebacks and consider / recommend best practices to prevent reoccurrencesAssess if rebates (or other income sources) are available to reduce program costsRelationship ManagementMaintain an open channel of communication with the card processors (Worldpay, Paymentech, EPX, Wells Fargo / Commerce Control) and with the card networks (AMEX, Discover, VISA, Mastercard, Paypal, Synchrony / Private Label)Discuss (1) relationship strengths; (2) customer service / processing issues; and (3) any identified service gaps with vendorsRemain up-to-date on vendors’ new products and services; stay abreast of developments in the card industry and how new products or industry developments can help or harm Discount TireCoordinate and actively participate in request for proposals (RFPs)Administer contracts and agreements and contribute to partner (re)negotiationsProvide input into the design and monitoring of vendors’ service level agreements (SLAs) and any prescribed consequences for not achieving the levels.Other duties as assignedQualificationsThis position requires a minimum of eight years of progressive experience in card processing (either from the provider or merchant side)Expert knowledge of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS)Advanced understanding of the information flows and touchpoints among authorizations, settlements, and cash receipts Attention to detail, effective communication skills, and problem solving aptitudeAdvanced Excel and data extraction / manipulation skillsEducational RequirementsBachelor's degree in Business or a related field or equivalent experience is required.Work DaysNormal work days are Monday through Friday. Occasional Saturdays and Sundays may be necessary.Work HoursNormal work hours are 8 : 00 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m. Additional hours may be necessary.Discount Tire 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 law.#LI-Hybrid#LI-GW1