Payments Operations Team Lead (f/m/d)

Responsibilities

Oversee daily payments operations and provide strategic direction, setting priorities, KPIs, and performance targets.; Act as the primary point of contact for partners and third-party banks regarding payment-related inquiries and follow-up calls.; Establish strong governance, reporting, and control frameworks to ensure operational integrity and scalability.; Drive automation, streamline workflows, and embed robust risk management practices.; Allocate team resources effectively across time zones, ensuring consistent, high-quality performance. Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3-5 payment operations specialists to achieve targets, resolve incidents efficiently, and continuously improve processes.; Lead and develop the team according to defined career paths by ensuring regular development conversations.; Liaise with Business Unit heads, functional heads, and key stakeholders to ensure the effective functioning of the team within the wider company environment.; Constantly improve processes in collaboration with the team's process experts and relevant stakeholders.; Oversee the monitoring and processing of SEPA and SWIFT payments.; Take responsibility for payment-related incidents and serve as the main point of escalation for senior management.; Contribute to regulatory communications with BaFin, the Deutsche Bundesbank (BuBa), and other European Central Banks and regulators.; Actively support and lead Audit Cycles, always delivering a compliant-first approach for a first-in-class regulatory posture and adherence with our processes.

Requirements

Minimum 4-5 years of experience in Payment Operations or Banking Operations, with first leadership experience managing a small team; Strong knowledge of SEPA & SWIFT payment schemes; Knowledge and comprehension of PSD2 and how it applies to Payment Operations; Ability to engage with team members, and provide clear and concise feedback; Ability to lead cross-functional projects with different departments; Fluent command of English; Strong analytical and data-driven mindset, with experience applying AI-based tools or automation to improve operational performance; Ability to "fly high and zoom in" (balance high-level strategic vision with granular attention to detail); Hands-on and entrepreneurial mentality; Strong analytical skills with a focus on process improvement; Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Nice to have

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field; German; SQL familiarity

Benefits

Home office budget.; Learning & development budget of €1000 per year and a transparent growth framework to support your career goals.; Competitive salary and a variable remuneration program.; Monthly meal allowance.; Deutschland ticket subsidy.; 28 vacation days, increasing by 2 days after 2 years and 3 days after 3 years with Solaris.; Opportunity to work abroad for up to 12 weeks per year.