Fraud Strategy Manager

Universo is a leading financial institution in Portugals consumer finance sector serving over 1 million customers. Our mission is to transform the way families manage their finances through simple innovative financial solutions that make a positive impact on their everyday lives.

Our clients are the stars that set our course and make our work shine.

Want to be part of our Universe

We are looking for a Fraud Strategy Manager to design execute and continuously optimize fraud prevention strategies across credit card and lending products combining analytics transaction and identity fraud prevention monitoring risk management and business strategy to effectively mitigate fraud losses while maintaining a seamless customer experience bringing deep domain expertise in financial fraud strong analytical capabilities and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing emerging threats.

You will be responsible for:

Fraud Strategy Development & Execution

• Develop and implement end-to-end fraud prevention strategies across acquisition onboarding transactions and account lifecycle.
• Detail fraud risk policies with the help of Risk Areas for credit cards and lending products balancing risk mitigation with customer experience and approval rates.
• Continuously refine rules simulation models and decisioning frameworks to adapt to evolving fraud patterns.

Analytics & Insights

• Analyze fraud trends loss drivers and attack vectors creating large datasets for that purpose.
• Translate data insights into actionable strategies and propose policy adjustments when needed.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as fraud rate challenge rates false positives approval rate and customer friction.

Fraud Detection & Tools Optimization

• Collaborate with our Processor Scheme and data science and IT teams to enhance fraud detection models (e.g. machine learning rules engines).
• Evaluate and optimize third-party fraud tools and internal systems.
• Lead testing and implementation of new fraud detection technologies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Product IT Risk Compliance and fellow Operations teams to embed fraud controls into product design and customer journeys.
• Work closely with underwriting and credit risk teams to align fraud and credit strategies.
• Support fraud operations teams with escalation frameworks and case handling improvements.

Risk Governance & Compliance

• Ensure fraud strategies comply with regulatory requirements and internal risk policies.
• Prepare reports and present fraud performance risks and strategy updates to senior leadership.
• Participate in audits and regulatory reviews related to fraud risk management.

Incident Response & Emerging Threats

• Lead response efforts for fraud incidents and large-scale attacks.
• Stay ahead of emerging fraud trends (e.g. account takeover synthetic identity fraud social engineering).
• Develop proactive controls to mitigate new and evolving risks.

If you have:

• 58 years of experience in fraud risk management preferably in credit cards lending scheme processors or fintech.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using SQL Python R or similar tools.
• Deep understanding of fraud typologies (e.g. application fraud transaction fraud identity theft).
• Experience with fraud detection systems decision engines and risk scoring models.
• Proven ability to translate data insights into business strategies.

Bonus if you have experience with machine learning models in fraud detection knowledge of regulatory frameworks (e.g. AML KYC PSD2) and prior experience in a high-growth fintech or digital banking environment.

If you are:

• A strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills
• Data-driven in your decision-making
• Strong in stakeholder management and communication
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced ambiguous environments
• Detail-oriented with a strong risk mindset

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Reduction in fraud losses (basis points of volume)
• Optimization of approval rates versus fraud risk
• Decrease in false positive rates and customer friction
• Speed and effectiveness of response to fraud incidents
• Continuous improvement in fraud detection accuracy

What we offer:

• 35k gross annual salary plus additional relevant benefits
• Opportunity to reshape fraud strategy in a growing financial institution
• High-impact role with visibility to senior leadership
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• A critical role in safeguarding financial assets and customer trust while enabling sustainable growth
• Flextime and a hybrid working model with 2 days of remote work per week allowing you to work smarter instead of longer (Lisbon or Porto)
• A collaborative culture that values innovation technical excellence and professional growth

We aim for greatness and boldness. We want to achieve the extraordinary bringing your full self to what you do.

If you believe you can be a part of our Universe please submit your CV.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected valued and given equal opportunities to thrive. We believe diversity drives innovation and strengthens teams. All applications will be considered fairly and based on merit regardless of gender age background identity or personal circumstances.

Data Privacy

Your privacy matters to us. Any personal data shared will be used solely for recruitment purposes handled confidentially and processed in accordance with GDPR regulations.

For more information please contact .