What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Product Manager, Network Development position at Lightspark?

The Internet lacks a protocol for money. Lightspark is building the tools and services to make it happen. Lightspark builds enterprise-ready infrastructure for open payments for the Internet at scale using the Lightning Network. An always-on, low-cost, universal payment network will completely transform how money is moved, enabling businesses and developers to transform existing solutions and build new financial systems, services, and processes accessible to everyone, transcending geographical restraints. Lightspark is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, but serves the world.

As we scale globally, we're seeking a strategic and driven Senior Product Manager to expand our reach and optimize our network offerings. The Product Manager, Network Development will drive the global expansion, adoption, and optimization of our payment networks. This role combines strategic vision, product ownership, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure our payment systems meet the needs of users, partners, and regulators across markets. You will analyze market trends and local capabilities, research key payment providers, provide a strategy and plan to develop a global payment network coverage to Lightspark and build relationships with key stakeholders to grow our network's footprint and deliver seamless integrations and operations

At Lightspark, we're a fast-growing startup where grit, hustle, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are essential. We need people who are ready to roll up their sleeves and build detailed money movement solutions at scale as we build the future of payment infrastructure.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Global Payment Infrastructure Assessment :

Conduct comprehensive evaluations of payment infrastructure & systems across regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Analyze regional differences in payment systems, such as card networks, ACH, real-time payment schemes, mobile wallets, and emerging technologies (e.g., blockchain, CBDCs).
Identify market-specific gaps in capabilities such as transaction reliability, settlement times, fraud prevention, and cross-border functionality.
Collaborate with regional experts to gather insights on regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and market trends.

Strategic Growth & Market Expansion :

Develop and execute tailored strategies for expanding payment network coverage in key markets, balancing global scalability with local market needs.

Partner with banks, fintech platforms, card issuers and payment processors to establish and optimize integrations.

Prioritize regions and markets based on strategic alignment, revenue potential, and infrastructure readiness.

Product Management :

Define and manage the product roadmap for global payment network growth, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer needs.

Work with engineering, design, compliance and legal teams to develop and deliver innovative payment solutions that address infrastructure gaps and local requirements.

Lead initiatives to enhance payment reliability, reduce costs, and improve user experience across the network supporting the Product Solution team needs

Work with Sales and BD teams to come up with the most cost effective pricing structure to enable scale and monetization of the network

Cross-Functional Leadership :

Collaborate with business development, engineering, legal, and compliance teams to navigate complex regulatory environments and drive successful market entry.

Serve as the primary product liaison for external stakeholders, including payment providers, technology partners, and regulatory bodies.

Communicate global payment trends, challenges, and opportunities to internal leadership and cross-functional teams.

Data-Driven Insights :

Use data analytics to assess network performance and identify bottlenecks in payment flows at the global, regional, and local levels.

Track and report on key metrics such as payment success rates, transaction speeds, and network uptime.

Use market research and user feedback to refine strategies and prioritize product enhancements.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

12 years of experience in payment infrastructure product management, preferably in early stage and fast paced environment in payments, fintech, or financial services.

Familiarity with payment systems, payment rails, and the regulatory environment (AML, licensing, compliance). Strong knowledge of the payment vendor landscape in the US and internationally

Deep understanding of regional variations in payment infrastructure and regulatory requirements.

Expertise in payment ecosystems, including ACH, RTP, card networks, digital wallets, and blockchain / crypto-based solutions.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex requirements into actionable product documentation. Also strong analytical skills to assess payment systems and infrastructure readiness.

Previous experience in building a global payment network for payouts, or for any other business or individual payment use cases that integrates with domestic realtime payment systems around the world

Exceptional project management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Proven track record of delivering successful global payment products or network expansions

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, or a related field is ideal but not required. We appreciate and acknowledge that some of the best talent comes from non-traditional backgrounds.

Experience building 0 to 1

Knowledge of modern product management tools

Living in or willing to relocate to Los Angeles California

Lightspark is on a mission to build an open payment protocol for the Internet at scale and therefore we're committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace to reflect the customers we serve. We welcome interest from individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience who share our mission. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the State of California Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

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