At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale payment operations, ensuring efficiency and compliance across markets.
- Company: Pliant, a cutting-edge B2B payments platform based in Berlin.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, remote work flexibility, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Inclusive hiring process with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the fintech industry.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in payments with strong leadership and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 80280 - 98120 £ per year.
The employer is Clear and nothing is a concern, but one or two parts are worth checking or not known. It describes the role and the employer, not your chances.
About the role
ABOUT US
Pliant is a modular B2B payments platform combining commercial card issuing, payment accounts, FX and spend management for businesses and AI agents. Businesses across travel, e-commerce, insurance and AI-native technology use Pliant to manage complex payment workflows, while fintechs, software platforms and banks use its infrastructure to build and operate their own commercial payment offerings. Pliant's API-first platform also enables AI agents and applications to access regulated payment infrastructure with permissions, controls and auditability built in. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Berlin, Pliant serves businesses and partners across Europe and North America. A principal member of Visa and Mastercard, Pliant issues commercial cards in 13 currencies across 32 countries under its European e-money license and through regulated partners in the UK and US.
We are looking for a Head of Payment Operations to lead and scale our payment operations across markets. You will own operational performance, strengthen controls and partner relationships, and build efficient, resilient processes that support growth in card issuing and payments. You will work with the management of each regulated entity to ensure that Group operations meet local requirements, including your specific responsibilities for Pliant Payments Ltd.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Own the Payment Operations strategy, operating model, annual plans, objectives and performance reporting.
- Lead day-to-day operations across card issuing, processing, payment flows, settlement, reconciliation and related treasury interfaces, including operational safeguarding processes within the team’s remit, timely escalation of safeguarding discrepancies and shortfalls, and coordination with Finance and Compliance.
- Define and monitor service levels, authorisation performance, payment costs, exception management and operational quality.
- Drive process standardisation, automation and improvements to tooling, controls and reporting.
- Build, coach and develop a geographically distributed team, including managers and specialists; establish clear accountability and development pathways.
- Manage senior relationships with card schemes, processors, banking partners and other critical providers, including escalations and performance reviews.
- Partner with Risk, Compliance, Data and Legal on scheme obligations, regulatory requirements, audits and incident response.
- Work closely with Product, Engineering, Finance, Data and Commercial teams to launch and improve products while ensuring operational readiness.
- Oversee major operational incidents, root-cause analysis and corrective actions; provide concise updates to senior leadership.
- Act as an FCA-registered EMD Individual for Pliant Payments Ltd, with responsibility for managing and overseeing payment operations in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 and the Payment Services Regulations 2017, and maintain the good repute, knowledge and experience required under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- Approximately 8-10 years of relevant experience in payments, issuing, acquiring, banking or fintech operations.
- At least three years of people leadership experience, ideally including managing managers or multi-location teams.
- Strong understanding of card schemes, issuer processing, payment lifecycle, settlement and reconciliation.
- Experience designing scalable controls, operational metrics and service-management processes in a regulated environment.
- Confidence working with external banking and scheme partners and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
- Analytical and commercially minded approach, with the ability to translate operational data into action.
- Clear written and verbal communication, sound judgement and a hands-on approach to solving complex problems.
- Practical understanding of regulatory requirements applicable to payment operations across relevant markets, including UK EMI requirements under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011, Payment Services Regulations 2017 and FCA safeguarding rules.
Nice to have
- International card-issuing programmes, BIN sponsorship or principal scheme membership.
- Tokenisation, 3-D Secure, alternative payment methods or related payments infrastructure.
- Data analysis using SQL, Python or comparable tools.
WHAT WE OFFER
- The opportunity to work in a growing team with big responsibilities that thrives on a strong exchange of knowledge and excellence.
- Attractive remuneration.
- Flat hierarchy and transparent communication in a relaxed, professional atmosphere.
- Opportunity to develop your talent in a dynamic team with ambitious goals.
- Flexibility and possibility to work remotely.
- Pliant Card with monthly credit to explore the product and enjoy food with colleagues.
Pliant is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and abilities, and are committed to an inclusive hiring process. If you need any accommodations during the interview process, please let us know.
Head of Payment Operations (m/f/d) in London employer: Sponsor Finder
Assystem is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leiston, Suffolk, where innovation meets infrastructure. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for professional advancement while fostering a collaborative culture that values teamwork and creativity. Join us to be part of meaningful projects that make a real impact, supported by a team that prioritises your success and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payment Operations (m/f/d) in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Sponsor Finder. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Sponsor Finder.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Sponsor Finder. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payment Operations (m/f/d) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Sponsor Finder and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Sponsor Finder how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sponsor Finder
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Sponsor Finder.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Sponsor Finder's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
