Operations Manager - International Payments

Bank of London offers a safer business banking model by holding all deposits at the Bank of England, eliminating the risk of 'bank runs.' It provides services such as Deposit-as-a-Service (DaaS), Embedded Banking, real-time Clearing, Payments, and Settlement, as well as Commercial Banking tailored to businesses. Powered by proprietary technology, the bank collaborates with SAP Fioneer to deliver innovative solutions. With a focus on exceptional service and core values of compassion, ownership, and curiosity, the bank strives for excellence in all it does.

As the Operations Manager - International Payments, you will play a key role in building and managing the Bank of London’s international payments function from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to establish foundational processes and shape our cross-border payments capability. You will work closely with product, technology, compliance, and external partners to ensure the secure, compliant, and efficient execution of international and FX transactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of international payments operations, working with Product, Technology, and Compliance to ensure new capabilities are implemented on time, within scope, and in line with regulatory and risk requirements.
• Develop and document end-to-end operational processes for international payments, ensuring clear procedures are established, maintained, and effectively communicated to the wider Operations team.
• Deliver training to internal stakeholders, ensuring a strong understanding of new payment processes and operational enhancements across the business.
• Provide expertise and hands-on operational support for the implementation and ongoing management of SWIFT Bureau services.
• Ensure alignment with all relevant regulatory frameworks, including FCA, PSR, AML/KYC, and sanctions compliance for cross-border payments.
• Collaborate with Finance and Treasury to ensure FX-related operations are timely, accurate, and support optimal liquidity and funding positions.
• Support onboarding and operational readiness for SWIFT connectivity, including management of message flows, cut-off times, and settlement procedures.
• Act as the primary operational point of contact for third-party providers facilitating the Bank’s access to international payment networks.
• Serve as the escalation point for international transactions, assisting clients with processing queries and leading investigations into payment issues to ensure timely resolution.
• Produce detailed reporting on project progress, operational performance, and key international payment metrics, ensuring visibility across stakeholders.
• Develop expertise across all payment operational processes, demonstrating flexibility to support ad hoc tasks and cross-functional initiatives as required.
• Proven experience in international payments, including cross-border transactions, SWIFT, and FX operations.
• Experience setting up or significantly enhancing international payments operations in a regulated environment.
• Proven experience with SWIFT messaging, international payment rails (e.g., SEPA, TARGET2, CHIPS, Fedwire), and FX settlement workflows.
• Working knowledge of operational risk controls, transaction monitoring, and escalation processes in cross-border payments.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to work efficiently in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, fostering collaboration and effective communication.
• Quick learner with the ability to grasp, articulate, and explain complex concepts and payment products clearly and effectively.
• Self-motivated and adaptable, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and change management.
• Committed to contributing to the company’s broader strategic initiatives, aligning work with organisational objectives.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure, maintaining professionalism and attention to quality even in high-demand situations.

Location: London (5 days per week in the office) - Travel to other locations may be required on occasion.

Diversity

Bank of London is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion, diversity and belonging. All qualified applicants are welcome and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, age, religion or religious expression, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity and expression, transgender, national origin, or military veteran status.