At Finastra, we’re a global leader in financial services software, dedicated to expanding access to financial services and shaping what’s next for the industry. Our technology powers mission‑critical solutions across Lending, Payments and Universal Banking, supporting over 7,000 customers, including 80% of the world’s top 50 banks, in more than 110 countries.
Summary
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Senior Director, Strategic Accounts, to lead and grow our strategic customer relationships across the French market. This role will be responsible for overseeing Finastra's key accounts in France, developing long-term customer partnerships, and driving new business growth across existing and prospective clients.
Success in this role requires a fluent French speaker with a proven track record of business development, account growth, and executive stakeholder management within the French market. The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of the French financial services ecosystem and experience navigating complex enterprise sales environments.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Account Leadership
- Own and oversee Finastra's strategic customer relationships across France.
- Develop and execute account strategies that drive customer satisfaction, retention, expansion, and long-term revenue growth.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives within client organizations, building relationships at C-suite level.
- Lead complex commercial negotiations and contract discussions.
- Identify, qualify, and secure new business opportunities within the French market.
- Develop and execute market growth plans aligned with Finastra's strategic objectives.
- Leverage an existing network across French financial institutions, fintechs, and industry stakeholders to generate business opportunities.
- Partner closely with regional sales, product, services, and customer success teams to drive revenue growth.
- Maintain a deep understanding of the French banking, lending, payments, and financial technology landscape.
- Provide market insight and feedback to product and leadership teams on competitive trends, customer requirements, and emerging opportunities.
- Represent Finastra at customer meetings, industry events, and executive forums throughout France.
Required Experience
Essential
- Fluent French and English speaker (written and verbal).
- Significant experience managing enterprise accounts within the French market.
- Demonstrated success in business development and revenue generation across France.
- Proven ability to build and maintain executive-level relationships within financial institutions and fintech organizations.
- Experience leading complex sales cycles and strategic account plans.
- Strong commercial acumen with responsibility for revenue growth and customer outcomes.
- Experience within Banking, Payments, Lending, Financial Services, Fintech, or Financial Software.
- Existing network across French financial institutions and industry decision-makers.
- Experience working within a global technology organization.
- Develops and directs the execution of operating strategy for a significant business segment, strategic customer portfolio, or market.
- Contributes to regional growth strategy and commercial operating plans.
- Maintains primary accountability for financial performance, customer retention, and account expansion within the French market.
- Decisions are guided by business strategy, market opportunities, and customer outcomes.
- Applies deep industry and market expertise to drive commercial growth and operational performance.
- Demonstrates strong understanding of the French banking and financial technology ecosystem.
- Maintains awareness of changing market conditions, competitive landscape, and customer priorities.
- Leads complex customer engagements involving multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
- Develops and executes account and growth strategies to achieve key business objectives.
- Influences internal and external stakeholders to drive customer success and business performance.
- Resolves highly complex commercial and customer challenges using strong analytical and strategic thinking.
- Balances customer needs, commercial objectives, and operational considerations to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Direct responsibility for strategic account performance and business growth within France.
- Significant influence on revenue generation, customer retention, and market expansion.
- Plays a critical role in strengthening Finastra's presence and reputation within the French market.
- Builds trusted relationships with senior executives and key decision-makers.
- Demonstrates exceptional influencing, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Effectively collaborates across internal and external stakeholder groups to drive results.
- Fluent French speaker is mandatory.
- Demonstrated business development success within the French market is essential.
- Strong understanding of French financial services and banking customers.
- Established network and ability to create new opportunities across France.
We are proud to offer a range of incentives to our employees worldwide. These benefits are available to everyone, regardless of grade, and reflect the values we stand for:
Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, subject to local regulations and business priorities. Benefit from hybrid working arrangements and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.
Well‑being: Access confidential one‑to‑one support through our Employee Assistance Program, connect with our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and take part in monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive—inside and outside of work.
Health & Financial Security: Medical, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, lifestyle, and other benefits.*
Sustainability: Paid time off for volunteering and donation‑matching opportunities to support causes that matter to you.
Inclusion: Get involved in our inclusion communities, such as Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, and Women@Finastra—open to everyone who wants to participate and contribute.
Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.
Recognition: Take part in our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and share your voice through regular employee surveys that help shape our culture and ways of working.
*Specific benefits may vary by location.
At Finastra, each individual is unique—bringing their own ideas, perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and experiences. We learn from one another, value what makes us different, and create an environment where everyone feels included, supported, and able to be their authentic selves.
Be unique. Be exceptional. Help us make a difference at Finastra.
Finastra London, England Office
London, United Kingdom
