Payments Operations

We are seeking an accomplished Payments Operations & Transformation Leader  to drive delivery excellence and strategic growth across the Payments domain. The role requires a deep understanding of payment lifecycles  - from initiation and screening to execution, reconciliation, and reporting - alongside experience in payments transformation programs  spanning cards, settlements, real-time and instant payments, cross-border flows and process automation. The ideal candidate will bring a high-level understanding of multiple payments sub-domains and ecosystems (e.g., SWIFT, SEPA, RTP, FedNow, ACH and ISO 20022 modernization) , combined with the ability to shape operating models, improve efficiency, and lead teams delivering across both BAU operations and change initiatives. Key responsibilities Practice Leadership & Growth Drive business development, client engagement and capability expansion across the Payments Operations and Transformation domain. Define strategic focus areas and go-to-market offerings (e.g., ISO 20022 enablement, real-time payments, SWIFT modernization and data-driven reconciliation). Partner with senior client stakeholders (Payments COOs, Operations Heads, and CIOs) to identify efficiency, control and modernization opportunities. Lead proposal development, solutioning and client presentations for transformation programs. Oversee P&L performance, team utilization and delivery quality for the Payments practice. Payments Operations & Transformation Delivery Lead programs covering the entire payments lifecycle - initiation, screening, processing, settlement and reporting. Support operations setup, migration and optimization across channels and payment types (SWIFT, ACH, SEPA, RTP, wire, cross-border). Drive process and control enhancements, including risk-based monitoring, sanctions screening and regulatory compliance (PSD2, UETR, AML, OFAC, FATF). Oversee technology and data transformation, including ISO 20022 adoption, STP enablement and integration with Treasury and Core Banking systems. Partner with technology and automation teams to implement workflow digitization, RPA and advanced analytics for efficiency and controls. Capability Building & Operational Excellence Build and scale Payments delivery teams with deep operational and domain expertise. Develop knowledge assets, playbooks and reusable frameworks covering payment operations and transformation programs Mentor and upskill professionals in emerging payment technologies, operational resiliency, and industry regulations. Foster collaboration with adjacent practices (Treasury, Risk and Finance) to deliver integrated cash- and payments-management solutions Candidate's Profile : 12+ years in Payments Operations, Payments Transformation, or Transaction Banking within leading fintechs, banks or consulting firms. Strong grasp of end-to-end payment processes (initiation, settlement, reporting) and related control frameworks. Experience with payment modernization initiatives - ISO 20022, SWIFT gpi, SEPA Instant, RTP, FedNow or equivalent. Exposure to payment systems and platforms (Murex Payments, Finastra Fusion, VolPay, FIS, Fiserv, Temenos or in-house payment hubs). Understanding of sanctions screening, AML and compliance workflows integrated into payment ecosystems. Familiarity with reconciliation tools, intraday liquidity management and regulatory reporting (e.g., PSD2, CBPR+, UETR). Proven ability to set up, scale and lead large delivery teams, managing both BAU operations and transformation initiatives. Strong communication, client management and leadership skills with an ability to drive change across global teams.