Head of Payment Systems - IT

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead the Payments function. The ideal candidate should possess strong functional and technical expertise in payment systems, with in-depth knowledge of RTGS, SWIFT, and various domestic and international payment types. Additionally, the candidate must be well-versed in managing application vulnerabilities and have a solid understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

About the Role:

The Payments function is critical to our operations, and this role will be pivotal in ensuring the efficiency and security of our payment systems.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end management of payment systems, ensuring smooth operations and continuous improvement.
• Provide expert-level functional and technical knowledge of RTGS, SWIFT, ACH, wire transfers, and other payment mechanisms.
• Oversee integration and maintenance of payment applications in alignment with business needs and regulatory standards.
• Ensure robust controls and timely remediation of application vulnerabilities in coordination with security teams.
• Drive the SDLC processes, ensuring compliance with quality, security, and governance standards.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, vendors, and regulators for payment-related initiatives and audits.
• Monitor system performance, resolve incidents, and proactively manage risk and capacity planning.
• Mentor and lead a high-performing team to ensure operational excellence and continuous learning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in banking or financial services, with a focus on payments.
• Strong functional and technical understanding of RTGS, SWIFT, and other payment channels.
• Proven experience managing application security and vulnerability remediation.
• Excellent knowledge of SDLC methodologies and tools.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in regulatory compliance and audit support is a plus.
• Knowledge of banking/financial systems
• Exposure to Agile or DevOps environments

Soft Skills:

• Leadership and Team Management – Ability to inspire, guide, and manage cross-functional teams effectively.
• Strategic Thinking – Capable of aligning technology and operational goals with the overall business strategy
• Communication Skills – Strong verbal and written communication for effective interaction with internal teams, vendors, and regulators.
• Problem-Solving – Ability to analyze complex issues and implement practical, timely solutions
• Decision-Making – Confident in making sound decisions under pressure and with limited information.
• Adaptability – Comfortable navigating change and evolving technology landscapes.
• Stakeholder Management – Skilled in managing expectations and building trust across various levels of the organization
• Attention to Detail – Ensures accuracy in system design, compliance, and reporting.
• Conflict Resolution – Capable of managing disagreements constructively to reach common goals.
• Collaboration – Works well with cross-departmental teams to achieve shared outcomes.

Preferred Certifications:

• SWIFT Certification (e.g., SWIFT Certified Expert) – Demonstrates expertise in SWIFT messaging and operations
• Banking Operations Certificate