Vice President of Products in City of London

Vice President of Products in City of London

City of London Full-Time 100000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the strategy and execution of innovative payment products in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join a leading global payments company with a strong market presence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and flexible hybrid working.
  • Other info: Collaborate with C-level executives and drive innovation in a fast-paced industry.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of payments across Europe and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in payments product management with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.

Location: London, UK (Hybrid)

Company: Leading Global Payments Company

Role Overview: We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Vice President of Product – Payments to lead the strategy, development, and execution of our core payments product suite. This is a senior leadership role requiring deep expertise across global payment systems, including Faster Payments, SEPA, SWIFT, and related infrastructure. The ideal candidate brings a strong finance background, proven leadership in payments product management, and a track record of delivering scalable, compliant, and innovative payment solutions in a fast-paced environment. This role operates at the highest levels of the organisation, working closely with C-level stakeholders to shape overall business and product strategy.

Key Responsibilities

  • Product Strategy & Vision: Define and execute the product vision and roadmap across domestic and cross-border payment rails. Drive innovation across Faster Payments, SEPA (SCT/SDD/Instant), SWIFT, and emerging real-time payment systems. Align product strategy with company-wide commercial, regulatory, and technology objectives in partnership with C-level leadership.
  • Leadership & Team Management: Lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing product organization. Partner closely with Engineering, Compliance, Operations, and Commercial teams. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer-centricity.
  • Executive Collaboration: Work closely with the CEO, CFO, CTO, and other C-level executives to define strategic priorities and drive execution. Provide clear product insights and recommendations to the executive team and Board where required. Act as a trusted advisor on payments strategy and market opportunities.
  • Payments Expertise & Execution: Own end-to-end product lifecycle for payment solutions including clearing, settlement, reconciliation, and liquidity management. Ensure robust integration with banking partners, schemes, and payment networks. Drive enhancements in payment performance, resilience, and scalability.
  • Financial & Commercial Acumen: Leverage strong finance expertise to optimize pricing, margins, and unit economics. Build business cases and assess ROI for new product initiatives. Monitor P&L performance and identify growth opportunities.
  • Regulatory & Risk Management: Ensure all products comply with UK and European regulatory frameworks (e.g., PSD2, FCA requirements). Collaborate with Risk and Compliance teams to mitigate operational and financial risks.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key external and internal spokesperson for payments products. Engage with banking partners, regulators, and industry bodies. Translate complex technical and financial concepts into clear strategic direction.

Required Experience & Skills

  • Proven track record - the ideal candidate would likely have (10+ years) in payments product management, with significant leadership experience.
  • Deep expertise in: Faster Payments, SEPA (SCT, SDD, Instant), SWIFT (MT/MX messaging, cross-border flows).
  • Strong finance background (e.g., prior experience in finance roles, fintech, banking, or related fields).
  • Demonstrated experience managing large-scale, mission-critical payment systems.
  • Experience working directly with C-level stakeholders and influencing executive decision-making.
  • Strong understanding of payment flows, settlement mechanisms, and liquidity management.
  • Experience working in regulated financial environments.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and commercial capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in fintech or high-growth payments organizations.
  • Familiarity with open banking and API-driven payment solutions.
  • Exposure to emerging payment technologies and real-time payment innovations.
  • MBA, CFA, or equivalent financial qualification (preferred but not required).

What We Offer

  • Senior leadership role in a high-growth, market-leading payments company.
  • Hybrid working model with significant flexibility.
  • Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus.
  • Opportunity to participate in equity or long-term incentive plans.
  • Opportunity to shape the future of payments across Europe and globally.

This is a great opportunity for a leading payments expert to work with a market leader. Interviews slots now available! Apply now to be considered!

Vice President of Products in City of London employer: Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing

As a leading global payments company, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model offers flexibility, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career in the fast-evolving payments landscape. Join us to shape the future of payments and enjoy competitive compensation, performance-based bonuses, and the chance to make a significant impact in a market-leading organisation.

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Contact Details:

Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Vice President of Products in City of London

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 Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing. 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 Vice President of Products in City of London

Payments Product Management
Leadership
Product Strategy
Faster Payments
SEPA
SWIFT
Financial Acumen

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 Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing.

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 Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing'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 Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing

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 Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing.

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 Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing 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 Halian | Managed Services, Recruitment Agency & Contract Staffing 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.