At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale operations for a global fintech, ensuring seamless customer experiences.
- Company: Join Airwallex, a rapidly growing fintech valued at US$6.2 billion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of global banking with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: 7-10+ years in senior operations, ideally in fintech or payments.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on continuous learning and improvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
About Airwallex
Airwallex is the only unified payments and financial platform for global businesses. Powered by our unique combination of proprietary infrastructure and software, we empower over 150,000 businesses worldwide with fully integrated solutions to manage everything from business accounts, payments, spend management and treasury, to embedded finance at a global scale. Proudly founded in Melbourne, we have a team of over 1,800 of the brightest and most innovative people in tech across 26 offices around the globe. Valued at US$6.2 billion and backed by world‑leading investors, Airwallex is leading the charge in building the global payments and financial platform of the future.
Attributes We Value
We hire successful builders with founder‑like energy who want real impact, accelerated learning, and true ownership. You bring strong role‑related expertise and sharp thinking, and you’re motivated by our mission and operating principles. You move fast with good judgment, dig deep with curiosity, and make decisions from first principles, balancing speed and rigor. You’re humble and collaborative; turn zero‑to‑one ideas into real products, and you “get stuff done” end‑to‑end. You use AI to work smarter and solve problems faster. Here, you’ll tackle complex, high‑visibility problems with exceptional teammates and grow your career as we build the future of global banking.
About the team
You’ll be part of a high‑impact, cross‑functional EMEA Operations team that’s passionate about operational excellence and delivering an exceptional end‑to‑end customer experience. We thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and are committed to continuous learning, innovation, and growth. As part of our Operations leadership, you’ll help shape the future of Airwallex across the region and beyond.
What you’ll do
As Head of Operations, EMEA, you will lead and scale our regional operations team to support Airwallex’s continued expansion across the EMEA region. You’ll proactively explore and implement solutions that ensure a seamless customer experience, drive operational efficiency, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities
- Strategic Planning: Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve Airwallex’s goals and objectives across EMEA. Collaborate with senior management to define operational strategies, identify opportunities for improvement, and deliver initiatives that enhance efficiency and scalability.
- Operational Management: Oversee the day‑to‑day operations across multiple teams within the region, ensuring that performance metrics, processes, and outcomes align with organisational objectives and standards.
- Continuous Improvement: Continuously evaluate and optimise existing processes and workflows. Work closely with teams to streamline operations, remove bottlenecks, and introduce new technologies or processes that drive greater effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with both regional and global stakeholders—including Commercial, Legal, Compliance, Product, and Technology—to ensure smooth operations, resolve challenges, and maintain clear, effective communication across functions.
- Performance Monitoring and Analysis: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for EMEA operations. Regularly analyse data to identify trends, measure progress against targets, and take corrective action when necessary.
- Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. Collaborate closely with Legal and Compliance teams to manage operational risks and maintain a strong control environment.
- Leadership and Team Development: Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing operations team. Recruit and retain top talent, provide mentorship and guidance, conduct regular performance reviews, and foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and accountability.
Who you are
We’re looking for a proactive, solutions‑driven leader who thrives in a fast‑moving, dynamic environment.
Minimum qualifications:
- 7–10+ years’ experience in a senior operations role, ideally within fintech, payments, or financial services.
- Proven success in leading and scaling high‑growth teams, preferably within a start‑up or scale‑up environment.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of fintech operations, payment systems, and regulatory frameworks (e.g. KYC/AML, PSD2).
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong problem‑solving ability, openness to new ideas, and comfort working with ambiguity and change.
- Fluency in English.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in compliance, risk management, or business continuity planning.
- Experience working in a fast‑paced, high‑growth global environment.
- Additional language skills.
- Relevant certifications in operations management, compliance, or risk management.
What we value
- Isn’t afraid to take on challenges.
- Refuses to settle for the status quo and constantly seeks better solutions.
- Has strong problem‑solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Is open‑minded, adaptable, and quick to learn.
- Feels comfortable navigating ambiguity and uncertainty.
What we offer
At Airwallex, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact in a rapidly growing, global fintech. We offer a competitive salary and create an environment that enables our people to do their best work: a collaborative open office space with a fully stocked kitchen, regular team‑building events, flexible and remote working options, and the freedom to innovate and be creative.
Equal opportunity
Airwallex is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Airwallex is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We don’t regard color, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status when making our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Head of Operations, EMEA in City of London employer: Airwallex Pty Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Airwallex Pty Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations, EMEA in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at Airwallex. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Airwallex's recent projects and challenges. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for our mission and how you can contribute to our growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! We love candidates who can think on their feet. Try mock interviews or case studies related to operations in fintech to sharpen your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations, EMEA in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in fintech and operations, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about Airwallex and how your values align with ours. Be specific about what excites you about the role and how you can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in the past. We love candidates who can think critically and come up with innovative solutions, so don’t hold back on sharing your success stories!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airwallex Pty Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Airwallex's operations and their unique payment solutions. Familiarise yourself with their key clients and understand the fintech landscape. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Operations, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to build and scale teams, drive operational efficiency, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated challenges in fast-paced environments.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Airwallex values cross-functional collaboration. Think of instances where you've successfully partnered with different teams to achieve common goals. Highlight your communication skills and how you resolve conflicts or challenges while maintaining strong relationships.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex issues, especially in compliance or risk management, to demonstrate your fit for the role.