General Manager

IMPETUS EXECUTIVE; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 500,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is seeking a seasoned General Manager with over 18 years of experience in payment systems. The ideal candidate will lead strategic growth and operational excellence in Abu Dhabi. This role requires strong industry networks and a proven track record in financial services leadership, preferably with COO experience, and a profound understanding of regulatory frameworks.

Qualifications

• 18+ years of experience in financial services with a strong background in payment systems.
• Proven success in strategic planning, execution, and operational management.
• Advanced proficiency in English; Arabic language proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve the company’s long-term goals.
• Ensure effective day-to-day operations of the company.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and performance analysis.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field

MBA

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a seasoned General Manager with 18+ years of experience to lead our financial services company specializing in payment systems. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in financial services leadership (preferably with COO experience), strong knowledge of card-based payment systems, and the ability to drive both operational excellence and strategic growth.

This role is based in Abu Dhabi and requires a candidate with strong industry networks in the UAE and the wider MENA region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve the company’s long-term goals, focusing on growth in the payment systems and card acquiring domain.
• Ensure effective day-to-day operations of the company, including optimization of business processes, cost control, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and performance analysis to achieve financial targets.
• Manage and expand the client portfolio, with a focus on financial institutions, regulators, and industry leaders. Build and maintain strong relationships with senior executives across the finance and payments industry.
• Ensure full compliance with financial services regulations, AML, PCI DSS, data protection, and privacy requirements.
• Lead domestic scheme initiatives, ensuring alignment with local and regional payment strategies.
• Oversee operations related to card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and domestic schemes), including fee structures, compliance, and partnership management.
• Drive digital transformation and innovation in payment technologies, including mobile wallets, contactless payments, APIs, and payment gateways.
• Provide strong leadership across senior management and operational teams; develop talent and maintain high-performance standards.
• Monitor and enhance acquiring systems, EMV technologies, and transaction security standards.
• Use data-driven approaches to analyze customer behaviors, optimize revenue streams, and support strategic decision-making.
• Lead and oversee major projects within the payment systems domain using structured project management methodologies.

Qualifications

• 18+ years of experience in financial services with a strong background in payment systems.
• Previous COO or equivalent senior operational leadership experience in the financial services sector.
• Proven success in strategic planning, execution, and operational management.
• Deep knowledge of domestic payment schemes, card network operations, and acquiring models.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (AML, PCI DSS, GDPR, local compliance requirements).
• Demonstrated experience in innovation, digital transformation, and technology management within financial services.
• Experience working directly with UAE Central Bank or other regional regulators will be considered a major advantage.
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to project authority and build trust with senior banking executives and regulators.
• Advanced proficiency in English. Arabic language proficiency is a strong plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field; MBA preferred.
• Extensive experience in team leadership and organizational management, ensuring operational excellence and strong people development.