Vice President, Operations - Africa

Vice President, Operations - Africa

Full-Time 120000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
dLocal

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operations strategy and partnerships across Africa for a global payments company.
  • Company: Join dLocal, a dynamic fintech enabling payments in 40 emerging markets.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible schedules, a social budget, and opportunities for international collaboration.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team with over 1000 members from 30+ nationalities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the fast-paced fintech industry while developing your career globally.
  • Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in cross-border payments are essential.

The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.

Why should you join d Local?

d Local enables the biggest companies in the world to collect payments in 40 countries in emerging markets.

Global brands rely on us to increase conversion rates and simplify payment expansion effortlessly.

As both a payments processor and a merchant of record where we operate, we make it possible for our merchants to make inroads into the world’s fastest-growing, emerging markets.

Why should you join d Local?

d Local enables the biggest companies in the world to collect payments in 40 countries in emerging markets.

Global brands rely on us to increase conversion rates and simplify payment expansion effortlessly.

As both a payments processor and a merchant of record where we operate, we make it possible for our merchants to make inroads into the world’s fastest-growing, emerging markets.

By joining us you will be a part of an amazing global team that makes it all happen.

Being a part of d Local means working with 1000+ teammates from 30+ different nationalities and developing an international career that impacts millions of people’s daily lives.

We are builders, we never run from a challenge, we are customer‑centric, and if this sounds like you, we know you will thrive in our team.

Oversee d Local's strategy and partnerships operations in the EMEA region; in order to enable local payments processing for international merchants.

Preferably based in Cape Town, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; Nairobi, Kenya.

What will I be doing?

• Strategic Leadership & Business Development

  • Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement country strategies aligned with organizational goals.
  • Drive business development by identifying new merchant opportunities, optimizing pricing and costs, integrating local payment methods, and closing strategic deals with partners.
  • Represent the company in public affairs, regulatory discussions, chambers of commerce, business associations, and industry events to strengthen market presence.
  • Maintain personal networks, participate in professional organizations, and attend conferences and industry events.
  • Promote relationships with members of the media and key influencers to consolidate d Local’s reputation in the market.

• Partnerships & Commercial Execution

  • Negotiate and execute commercial partnerships and agreements to improve operational capabilities for various payment alternatives.
  • Work with internal teams (Operations, Product, Technology) to build and implement roadmaps for partnership integration and analyze performance results to optimize operations.
  • Work closely with merchants and the commercial team, focusing on the development of key products.

• Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

  • Stay informed about local regulations and compliance requirements, providing effective advice to internal teams and identifying potential risks for new products.
  • Liaise with regulatory and statutory bodies to ensure adherence to legal requirements and obligations, including AML/KYC policies and licensing.
  • Stay on top of local regulatory/licensing requirements and how they impact our business.
  • Stay on top of local regulations and engage with regulators when necessary.
  • Contact local lawyers, accountants, and tax experts to ensure the operation complies with all legal and financial requirements.

• Operational Excellence & P&L Management

  • Oversee daily operations across all products, ensuring smooth execution of global and local initiatives
  • Support Country Managers and stakeholders across the organization to ensure the delivery of regional corporate targets, such as revenue, volume, costs, compliance, etc.
  • Closely lead and manage the operations team for overall operational excellence.
  • Improve operational capabilities for different payment methods.
  • Manage operational costs, improve conversion rates, and enhance processing efficiency.
  • Take ownership of the country’s P&L, seeking improvements, ensuring forecast accuracy, and driving initiatives with measurable impact.
  • Analyzing performance results and optimizing accordingly.
  • Develop emergency response plans for system outages, compliance challenges, or banking disruptions.

• Stakeholder & Relationship Management

  • Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the payment ecosystem, including acquirers, processors, banks, and regulators.
  • Provide local knowledge and expertise on financial, payments, and fintech regulations, and support Treasury in analyzing performance results and optimizing accordingly.

What skills do I need?

  • Strong Cross-Cultural Leadership skills Proven experience in cross- border payments payments or other financial systems all over EMEA
  • Proven success partnering and working cross-functionally to make things happen
  • Significant experience negotiating and executing contracts and agreements
  • Someone open to constant change in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment, a self-starter, open to working across time zones with teams all over the world
  • Established relevant business network
  • Someone willing and able to take smart risks based on solid strategy and deep partnership understanding
  • People manager with strong skills to develop teams
  • Curious profile, strategic thinker, effective decision making skills and positive attitude
  • Adaptability and growth mindset
  • Thorough knowledge of the whole EMEA region
  • Technical knowledge will be considered a plus
  • Commitment to compliance and understanding of the regulatory environment in EMEA

What do we offer?

Besides the tailored benefits we have for each country, d Local will help you thrive and go that extra mile by offering you:

  • Flexibility: we have flexible schedules and we are driven by performance
  • Fintech industry: work in a dynamic and ever-evolving environment, with plenty to build and boost your creativity
  • Referral bonus program: our internal talents are the best recruiters - refer someone ideal for a role and get rewarded
  • Social budget: you'll get a monthly budget to chill out with your team (in person or remotely) and deepen your connections!
  • d

Local Houses: want to rent a house to spend one week anywhere in the world coworking with your team? We’ve got your back!

Flexibility in how you work

We focus on impact and productivity over fixed hours.

This means our teams have flexible schedules and, depending on your role and location, you will combine self‑managed focus time with moments of in‑person connection in our collaboration hubs.

What happens after you apply?

Our Talent Acquisition team is invested in creating the best candidate experience possible, so don’t worry, you will definitely hear from us.

We will review your CV and keep you posted by email at every step of the process!

Also, you can check out our webpage, Linkedin and Youtube for more about d Local!

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses.

These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment.

Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.

If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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Vice President, Operations - Africa employer: dLocal

At dLocal, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where flexibility and performance drive our success. As a Legal Counsel, you will join a diverse team of over 1000 professionals from more than 30 nationalities, working in the dynamic fintech industry, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Our unique benefits, such as flexible schedules, a social budget for team bonding, and the chance to work remotely from anywhere in the world, make dLocal an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

dLocal

Contact Details:

dLocal Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Vice President, Operations - Africa

Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions

Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Vice President, Operations - Africa at dLocal!

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Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like dLocal or be willing to refer you for that Vice President, Operations - Africa position!

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Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from dLocal who’s on the lookout for their next Vice President, Operations - Africa star!

Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online

Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Vice President, Operations - Africa role at dLocal!

We think you need these skills to ace Vice President, Operations - Africa

Cross-Cultural Leadership
Business Development
Contract Negotiation
Strategic Thinking
Decision Making
Adaptability
Regulatory Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at dLocal. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at dLocal

Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at dLocal. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!