The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the bank's end-to-end payments processing, operational workflows and back-office support functions. The role ensures that domestic and international payments are executed accurately, securely and in line with regulatory and industry standards.

This position leads the payments and operations team, maintains robust control frameworks, and drives continuous improvement across operational processes to support the bank's broader strategic and customer service objectives.

Main responsibilities will include;

• Oversee the processing of all domestic and international payments.
• Ensure payment instructions are verified, authorised and released in accordance with internal policies and approval limits.
• Review and establish operational processes/ process improvement.
• Ensure all operational tasks are completed within SLAs and meet high standards of accuracy and control.
• Maintain a strong control environment, ensuring segregation of duties, maker-checker controls and strict adherence to internal policies.
• Lead, mentor and develop the team ensuring strong performance management and succession planning.
• Support internal and external audits involving payment or other operational areas.
• Resourcing, Staff engagement, performance review and management, objective setting and monitoring together with training and development of the team
• Promote a culture of accountability, operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Establish all regulatory requirements are adhered to for operational matters including, money laundering/ KYC checks and relevant duties segregated
• Lead quality control on all operations outputs as pertains to client acquisition and delivery of service
• Conduct regular meetings with department heads to agree priorities and coordination on essential matters.
• Authorise payments/ messages as and when required
• Approve invoices and input to budgets with COO
• Identify opportunities to streamline payments and operational workflows through automation and system enhancements.
• Lead or support change programmes, system upgrades, SWIFT changes and transformation initiatives.
• Enhance operational resilience, ensuring robust business continuity and support disaster recovery testing.
• Assist the COO on key planning issues and make recommendations on important business decisions

To be considered for this position, ideal candidates must have the following experience and skills;

• Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience in banking, financial services, or a related field
• Previous experience of banking, minimum 5 years plus
• Solid experience in banking operations and payments processing, preferably in a regulated financial institution.
• Strong knowledge of payment schemes (SWIFT, BACS, Direct Debits) and associated operational requirements.
• Knowledge of Equation Banking system will be a distinct advantage
• Good understanding of AML, sanctions, PSRs and financial crime risks in payments.