At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy and optimisation of our global payments network.
- Company: Dynamic financial services firm with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on strategic transformation and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of international payments and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in Payments or Financial Services with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Network Development & Oversight to lead the strategy, optimization, and governance of our international payments network. This role is responsible for shaping the firm’s global payments infrastructure across banking partnerships, payment rails, routing strategy, pricing optimization, and operational resiliency. The successful candidate will drive scalable and commercially efficient payment capabilities while ensuring the network remains resilient, compliant, and aligned with evolving business and regulatory requirements.
Working closely with Treasury, Product, Technology, Risk, Compliance, Operations, and Commercial leadership teams, this individual will play a key role in network expansion, infrastructure modernization, and strategic payment initiatives globally.
Key Responsibilities- Payments Network Strategy: Lead the development and execution of the global payments network strategy across Wires, SWIFT, ACH, RTP/Faster Payments, Cards, Wallets, and alternative payment methods. Evaluate and implement new payment rails, connectivity models, payment schemes, and emerging solutions including real-time networks and stablecoin-enabled settlement capabilities. Align network evolution with business growth objectives, geographic expansion plans, product strategy, and operational scalability. Maintain a forward-looking perspective on payment innovation, infrastructure modernization, and industry developments to support competitive advantage. Drive network optimization initiatives focused on resiliency, routing intelligence, scalability, and cost efficiency.
- Bank & Payment Partner Management: Oversee global banking and payment partner relationships, including governance, account lifecycle management, documentation standards, and operational oversight. Develop and manage strategic relationships with global banks, PSPs, fintech providers, and payment schemes. Lead commercial negotiations relating to pricing, fee structures, service levels, and contractual arrangements. Drive pricing optimization initiatives through benchmarking, partner analysis, and payment economics reviews. Ensure strong alignment between payment flows, client risk profiles, operational requirements, and partner engagement strategies. Establish governance frameworks, KPIs, SLAs, and performance standards across the global payments network.
- Risk, Compliance & Operational Resilience: Ensure network design supports operational resilience, redundancy, business continuity, and scalable growth. Partner with Risk, Compliance, and Legal teams to incorporate AML, sanctions, regulatory requirements, and scheme rules into network operations and strategy. Monitor regulatory developments and payment scheme changes impacting payment flows, banking structures, and network capabilities. Support risk mitigation strategies across payment rails, counterparties, geographies, and operational processes. Maintain strong governance and controls across payment infrastructure and partner management activities.
- Technology & Strategic Transformation: Collaborate closely with Product, Technology, and Operations teams on payment infrastructure enhancements, migrations, integrations, and modernization initiatives. Lead strategic initiatives including new rail integrations, bank onboarding/offboarding, routing enhancements, and infrastructure transformation programs. Drive scalable, modular, and API-driven payment architecture initiatives to support future growth and operational efficiency. Ensure strong prioritization, governance, execution discipline, and stakeholder alignment across strategic change programs.
- 15+ years of experience across Payments, Treasury, Banking, Fintech, or Financial Services with deep expertise in global payment infrastructure and network strategy.
- Strong understanding of global payment rails and infrastructure including SWIFT, Wires, ACH, RTP/Faster Payments, Cards, Wallets, correspondent banking, and clearing systems.
- Proven experience managing complex banking relationships, global account structures, and payment network operations.
- Demonstrated track record leading pricing strategy, commercial negotiations, routing optimization, and payment cost reduction initiatives.
- Strong understanding of AML, sanctions, regulatory frameworks, and payment scheme governance requirements.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders across business and technology functions.
- Strategic thinking with strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Deep operational and technical understanding of global payment flows.
- Strong negotiation and vendor management capabilities.
- Risk-aware mindset with strong governance discipline.
- Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Strong execution focus with ability to lead complex transformation initiatives.
- Innovation mindset with focus on scalability, resiliency, and modernization.
Director Payment Network Development & Oversight in London employer: Convera
As a leading player in the financial services sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment for the Director of Payment Network Development & Oversight role in London. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With competitive benefits, a commitment to operational excellence, and a focus on strategic initiatives, we empower our team to drive impactful change within the global payments landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Payment Network Development & Oversight in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the payments industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company’s payment strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and come armed with examples of your past successes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your achievements in payment network development and oversight. This could include case studies, metrics, or even a strategic plan you’ve developed. It’s a great way to stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and the company right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Director Payment Network Development & Oversight in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the role of Director Payment Network Development & Oversight. Highlight your expertise in global payment infrastructure and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to lead network strategy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with banking partnerships and payment optimization, and how you can contribute to our mission at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex banking relationships. We want to see how you've driven strategic initiatives and influenced stakeholders in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Convera
✨Know Your Payment Networks
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of global payment rails like SWIFT, ACH, and RTP. Be ready to discuss how these systems work and how they can be optimised for efficiency. Showing that you understand the intricacies of payment networks will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've previously developed and executed payment network strategies. Think about times when you aligned network evolution with business growth objectives or tackled operational challenges. This will showcase your ability to think strategically and lead effectively.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience managing banking and payment partner relationships. Highlight any successful negotiations you've led regarding pricing or service levels. This will demonstrate your capability in building and maintaining strong partnerships, which is crucial for this role.
✨Stay Updated on Regulatory Changes
Familiarise yourself with current regulatory developments affecting payment flows and compliance requirements. Discuss how you've incorporated these into your previous roles. This shows that you're proactive and aware of the importance of compliance in payment network operations.
