Head of Operations, EMEA

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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 – including Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more – 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 including Visa, Airtree, Blackbird, Sequoia, DST Global, Greenoaks, Salesforce Ventures, Lone Pine, and Square Peg, 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.

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.

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