VP of Payments Operations

Discovered MENA; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading payments start-up is seeking a VP of Payments Operations to lead and scale global payment operations across multiple markets. This role requires 10+ years in payments operations leadership and a strong operational problem-solving mindset. The ideal candidate will oversee the transition to a new platform and guide operational improvements. This full-time, permanent position is based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in payment/scheme operations leadership.
• Deep knowledge of issuer/acquirer workflows and payment rails.
• Strong operational problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale global payment operations across multiple markets.
• Manage a growing team covering scheme operations and disputes.
• Oversee migration from a custom-built platform to Compass Plus.

Skills

Payments operations leadership

Operational problem-solving

Team building

Communication skills

Job description

Job Title: VP, Payments Operations

Location: Dubai or Abu Dhabi

Salary: Competitive

Full-time, Permanent position

About Our Client:

Our client is a leading payments start-up who are revolutionising the payments industry globally, making sure governments/financial services have the highest level of security.

The role:

They are seeking a VP of Payments Operations with strong operational expertise to build and scale payment operations across multiple markets, moving the organization from its current state to full-scale live operations.

You will lead their global operations function and establish a world-class Payment Operations Center of Excellence. Reporting directly to the COO, you’ll drive their payments strategy while staying hands-on during critical migration and scaling phases.

The ideal candidate will have experience designing and managing detailed business processes, with a hands-on, proactive, and data-driven approach to operations management. Prior experience at a payments company or bank operating as both an issuer and acquirer is essential.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and scale global payment operations across multiple markets.
• Manage a growing team (5–8 direct reports) covering scheme operations, disputes, regulatory inquiries, and issuer/acquirer integration.
• Oversee their migration from a custom-built platform to Compass Plus (TranzAxis) – providing hands-on leadership during the transition.
• Post-migration: shift toward strategic scaling, team building, and new market launches.
• Anticipate operational challenges and guide process/system improvements.
• Expand remit to fraud, risk, and regulatory operations as custody features roll out in 10 months.
• Serve as the key contact for schemes, regulators, and partners on operational matters.

What they’re Looking For

• 10+ years in payment/scheme operations leadership, with at least 5+ years of hands-on operational experience.
• Deep knowledge of issuer/acquirer workflows and payment rails (authorization, settlement, chargebacks, refunds).
• Strong operational problem-solving mindset: proactive, data-driven, and not afraid to get hands-on.
• Track record of process improvements, scaling operations, and leading migrations.
• Experience with Compass Plus TranzAxis is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build high-performance teams.

If you are interested in the above position, please apply below!