At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform payments operations into a scalable, automated function.
- Company: Fast-growing, FCA-regulated EMI with global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Join at a pivotal moment with significant autonomy and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by stabilising and innovating payments processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in payments management and strong technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
You know payments operations don’t have to mean constant firefighting.
As Head of Payments, you’ll take a mission-critical function that’s been under-resourced and reactive, stabilise it, and then lead the strategic transformation the business has been waiting for.
Our client is a fast-growing, FCA-regulated EMI with global reach; this role exists now because volumes are increasing, the current team is stretched, and they need a calm, technically strong leader to build an automated, scalable payments operation.
You’ll join at a pivotal moment, with the mandate to fix what’s fragile today while designing what payments should look like for the next stage of growth.
What You'll Do
- Take end-to-end ownership of the payments function, ensuring reliable daily execution across Faster Payments, SEPA, ACH, Fedwire and international schemes.
- Lead the transition from manual, high-touch processing to automated, API-driven workflows that scale as transaction volumes grow.
- Build, mentor and support a settled, high-performing team, developing managers and analysts and raising engagement after a period of instability.
- In this Head of Payments role, you’ll balance hands-on operational leadership with strategic transformation, prioritising improvements while keeping service levels and controls rock solid.
- Partner closely with Product, Technology, Finance, Risk and Compliance to define future payment capabilities and deliver change without disruption.
- Act as senior escalation point for complex, high-value or time-critical transactions, using your calm approach to maintain client confidence.
- Shape the future operating model, performance metrics and culture of payments, with direct visibility to the senior leadership tea,.
- What You'll Bring
- Experience as a Head of Payments or a Senior Payments Manager in an EMI, bank or payment institution, ready to step up.
- Deep operational knowledge of multiple payment rails, including Faster Payments, SEPA and other domestic and international schemes.
- A strong technical mindset with proven success driving automation, working with APIs and improving systems to reduce manual work.
- Track record of leading and nurturing operational teams through change, creating collaborative, accountable and supportive cultures.
- Comfort operating both strategically and hands-on, especially in environments where processes, people and structures are still maturing.
- A calm, relationship-focused leadership style: you listen, build trust and focus on sustainable improvement rather than blame.
- What's On Offer
- The chance to stabilise a mission-critical function and then lead the automation and transformation agenda with strong executive backing.
- Significant autonomy to design the operating model, build the team and embed modern payment technologies and processes.
- Hybrid working with around three days per week in a central London office.
- Benefits package, details on application.
If you’re a Head of Payments who wants to turn a stretched, reactive operation into a scalable, automated and high-performing payments function, this is the moment to step in.
- Key Information
- Work Policy: Hybrid (around three days per week in the office)
Benefits: Benefits package, details on application
Consortia is a specialist recruitment agency with consultants focused on global roles within UX, Product, Data, and Engineering markets.
If this Head of Payments job in London doesn't align with your preferences, but you are open to exploring other opportunities, please still register by applying to this role so we can match you to other requirements.
Due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond individually.
However, we will keep your details on file and reach out when a more suitable opportunity arises.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payments in Slough
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Consortia. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payments in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Consortia.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Consortia's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Consortia
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Consortia.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Consortia will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Consortia employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
