At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy and optimisation of our global payments network.
- Company: Join a leading financial services firm with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on strategic transformation and operational resilience.
- Why this job: Shape the future of international payments and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in Payments or Financial Services with expertise in global payment infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 130000 £ per year.
Reporting to: Vice President – Global Head of Treasury
Role Overview
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.
Qualifications & Experience
- 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.
- Experience delivering large-scale payment infrastructure, network optimization, or transformation programs.
- 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.
Key Competencies
- 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
Head of Payment Network Development & Oversight in London employer: Convera
As a leading player in the financial services sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and professional growth. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career advancement, particularly in our vibrant location that serves as a hub for global payment solutions. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values collaboration, resilience, and strategic excellence in shaping the future of international payments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of 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. Think about specific examples from your past that showcase your skills in network development and oversight.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications. A quick email to express your enthusiasm can set you apart. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to apply! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, applying directly through us means your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you into that Head of Payment Network Development & Oversight role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payment Network Development & Oversight in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Payment Network Development & Oversight role. Highlight your experience in payments, banking partnerships, and network strategy. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
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. Share specific examples of your achievements in payment infrastructure and network optimization that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, emphasise your strategic thinking skills. We’re looking for someone who can lead the development of our global payments network strategy, so make sure to highlight relevant experiences where you've successfully driven similar initiatives.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 to showcase your strategic mindset by discussing past experiences where you've led payment network strategies or optimisations. Use specific examples to illustrate how your decisions positively impacted the organisation's growth and operational resilience.
✨Highlight Relationship Management Skills
Since this role involves managing banking and payment partner relationships, be ready to talk about your experience in this area. Discuss how you've successfully negotiated contracts or improved partnerships in the past, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle complex relationships.
✨Stay Updated on Regulatory Changes
Familiarise yourself with current regulatory requirements and industry developments affecting payment networks. Being able to discuss how you would incorporate compliance into network strategy will show that you're proactive and risk-aware, which is crucial for this role.
