Payments Operations Team Lead

About the role

Oversee daily payments operations and provide strategic direction, setting priorities, KPIs, and performance targets. Lead a team of 3-5 payment operations specialists across time zones while establishing governance, reporting, and control frameworks to ensure operational integrity and scalability.

What you'll do

• Oversee daily payments operations and provide strategic direction, setting priorities, KPIs, and performance targets.
• Act as the primary point of contact for partners and third-party banks regarding payment-related inquiries and follow-up calls.
• Establish strong governance, reporting, and control frameworks to ensure operational integrity and scalability.
• Drive automation, streamline workflows, and embed robust risk management practices.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3-5 payment operations specialists to achieve targets, resolve incidents efficiently, and continuously improve processes.
• Oversee the monitoring and processing of SEPA and SWIFT payments.
• Take responsibility for payment-related incidents and serve as the main point of escalation for senior management.
• Contribute to regulatory communications with BaFin, the Deutsche Bundesbank, and other European Central Banks and regulators.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum 4-5 years of experience in Payment Operations or Banking Operations, with first leadership experience managing a small team.
• Strong knowledge of SEPA and SWIFT payment schemes.
• Knowledge and comprehension of PSD2 and how it applies to Payment Operations.
• Fluent command of English; German is a strong plus.
• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset.
• Ability to "fly high and zoom in" (balance high-level strategic vision with granular attention to detail).

Nice to have

• SQL familiarity.
• Experience applying AI-based tools or automation to improve operational performance.

What they offer

• Learning and development budget of €1,000 per year with transparent growth framework.
• Competitive salary and variable remuneration program.
• 28 vacation days, increasing by 2 days after 2 years and 3 days after 3 years.
• Home office budget, monthly meal allowance, and Deutschland ticket subsidy.
• Opportunity to work abroad for up to 12 weeks per year.