Team Lead Banking Operations

Job Summary

The International Banking Operations Team Leader is responsible for providing daily direction, supervision, and coaching to a team of Operations Officers and Specialists. The primary goal is to ensure the timely, accurate, and compliant processing of all international transactions (including payments, trade finance, and foreign exchange settlements) while maintaining high standards of productivity and risk control. This role serves as the first point of escalation for complex operational issues and compliance exceptions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership & People Management

• Supervise Daily Workflow: Allocate tasks, manage shift schedules, and prioritize the daily workload (e.g., SWIFT queues, reconciliation breaks, trade document verification) to meet Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and internal deadlines.
• Performance Management: Monitor team and individual performance using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as volume, accuracy rates, and turnaround time (TAT). Conduct regular 1:1 meetings, provide constructive feedback, and administer performance reviews.
• Coaching and Development: Mentor and train junior staff on complex operational procedures, system changes, and adherence to international regulations. Develop cross-training plans to ensure team redundancy and resilience.
• Recruitment & Retention: Assist the Operations Manager with interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new team members. Foster a positive, collaborative, and results-oriented team environment.

2. Operational Excellence & Risk Control

• Process Authority & Control: Act as a final check and authorize high-value or complex transactions (e.g., large SWIFT payments, confirmed Letters of Credit) within delegated authority limits, ensuring dual control is maintained.
• Exception Management: Serve as the primary point of escalation for all daily operational issues, including reconciliation breaks, unposted transactions, system failures, and complex client inquiries. Identify the root cause and ensure timely resolution.
• Risk & Compliance Oversight: Ensure the team's strict adherence to global and local regulatory requirements, including AML, KYC, OFAC, and sanctions screening policies. Perform periodic snap checks and quality control reviews on processed work.
• Disaster Recovery: Be aware of and support the execution of the departments Business Continuity Plan (BCP) when necessary.

3. Process Improvement & Reporting

• Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify inefficiencies, control gaps, and opportunities for automation and process streamlining. Lead or participate in projects to enhance operational effectiveness and reduce costs.
• Reporting and Analysis: Prepare and present concise daily and weekly management reports detailing team performance, operational risks, error trends, and compliance metrics.
• Liaison: Coordinate and communicate with internal partners (Front Office, Treasury, Compliance) and external stakeholders (Correspondent Banks, Third-Party Vendors) to resolve technical or procedural roadblocks.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of [4-6] years of progressive experience in international banking operations, with direct experience in International Payments (SWIFT/ACH/SEPA), Trade Finance, or FX settlement.
• Minimum of [1-2] years of experience in a supervisory, team leader, or senior officer role with people management or coaching responsibilities.

Required Skills

• Expert Knowledge of Transactional Banking: In-depth, practical knowledge of international payment messaging standards (e.g., SWIFT MT/MX messages) and international trade rules (e.g., UCP 600, ISBP).
• Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse team in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.
• Risk Management Acumen: Strong understanding of operational risk, fraud mitigation, and global financial crime compliance.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to articulate complex issues clearly and concisely to both team members and senior management.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in core banking systems, payment platforms, Microsoft Excel (for reporting/analysis), and reconciliation tools.