Head of Risk Operations - Payments (Card Acquiring) in London
Head of Risk Operations - Payments (Card Acquiring)

Head of Risk Operations - Payments (Card Acquiring) in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Evotym

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and optimise risk operations for a fast-growing fintech company.
  • Company: Dynamic fintech company revolutionising payment solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of payments.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a rapidly evolving industry while leading innovative teams.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in risk or payments, strong leadership, and analytical skills.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career advancement potential.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

About the Client

Our client is a fast-growing fintech company providing an all-in-one payment platform, including card payments and acquiring solutions. The company operates at scale and is focused on building robust, efficient, and secure financial infrastructure for global merchants.

Role Overview

The Head of Risk Operations will play a critical leadership role, working closely with the COO to build, optimize, and scale Fraud & Risk operations. This person will be responsible for driving operational excellence, setting and managing KPIs, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering key strategic projects across the risk domain.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own and manage end-to-end risk operations across onboarding, monitoring, and reviews
  • Oversee KYC/KYB processes, including high-risk merchant due diligence
  • Oversee transaction monitoring, fraud prevention, and key risk metrics
  • Manage chargeback and dispute processes in line with card scheme requirements
  • Translate risk appetite into operational rules, policies, and procedures
  • Build and scale efficient risk processes, including automation and workflows
  • Define and track KPIs and SLAs for risk operations teams
  • Collaborate with Compliance, Product, Sales, and external partners (banks, card schemes)
  • Lead and develop risk operations team

Requirements

  • 3+ years of experience in risk, payments, or fintech, preferably within card acquiring or EMI environments
  • Strong hands-on experience with merchant risk, KYC/KYB, and transaction monitoring
  • Solid understanding of fraud prevention, chargebacks, and card scheme requirements (Visa/Mastercard)
  • Experience working with high-risk industries (e.g. gambling, adult, crypto, FX) is a strong advantage
  • Proven track record of building and scaling operational processes in a fast-growing environment
  • Experience implementing automation, workflows, and risk tools/systems
  • Strong analytical mindset with the ability to work with risk metrics, KPIs, and performance data
  • Experience managing and leading teams, including scaling and restructuring
  • Good understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks in payments/fintech
  • Ability to balance risk control with commercial objectives
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Structured, detail-oriented, and able to operate in a fast-paced environment

Key Soft Skills

  • Strong leadership and ownership mindset
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution
  • Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

If you are excited about shaping risk operations at scale and want to make a real impact in a rapidly growing fintech company, we would love to hear from you.

Head of Risk Operations - Payments (Card Acquiring) in London employer: Evotym

Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the fast-paced fintech sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and the chance to make a significant impact on global payment solutions while working alongside industry leaders in a supportive environment.
Evotym

Contact Detail:

Evotym Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Risk Operations - Payments (Card Acquiring) in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the fintech space, especially those working in risk operations. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around fraud prevention and risk management. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss specific metrics and KPIs you've managed in past roles. Use real examples to illustrate how you’ve driven operational excellence and improved processes. This is your chance to shine!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us. Let’s make it happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Risk Operations - Payments (Card Acquiring) in London

Risk Operations Management
KYC/KYB Processes
Fraud Prevention
Transaction Monitoring
Chargeback Management
Operational Excellence
KPI Management
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Automation Implementation
Analytical Skills
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
Stakeholder Management
Strategic Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Fast-Paced Environment Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Risk Operations. Highlight your experience in risk, payments, and fintech, especially in card acquiring. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about risk operations and how you can contribute to our mission. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your leadership and strategic thinking.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves managing KPIs and risk metrics, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can blend analytical prowess with practical execution!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Evotym

✨Know Your Risk Operations Inside Out

Make sure you understand the ins and outs of risk operations, especially in payments and card acquiring. Brush up on KYC/KYB processes, fraud prevention techniques, and chargeback management. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're ready to take on the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Risk Operations, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to balance risk control with commercial objectives, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific risk scenarios or challenges. Think about your previous experiences and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the regulatory and compliance frameworks relevant to payments and fintech. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations impact risk operations and how you've navigated them in your previous roles. This knowledge will set you apart as a candidate who understands the bigger picture.

Head of Risk Operations - Payments (Card Acquiring) in London
Evotym
Location: London

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