Deputy Manager - Payment Operations

LJ Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

International Bank in London is seeking a Deputy Manager - Payment Operations to oversee high-value wholesale payments and support the efficient running of the Operations function.

This hands-on leadership role is suited to a detail-focused banking professional with strong payments, SWIFT, and compliance expertise. The role involves authorising SWIFT messages, verifying large payments, compliance with AML/KYC, and producing payment reports.

Responsibilities

• Authorise and verify SWIFT messages, core banking transactions, and payments above £25,000
• Verify transactions exceeding £100,000
• Review daily transaction reports and release sanctions-screened payments, including OFAC alerts
• Ensure full compliance with AML, KYC, and internal risk policies
• Investigate and resolve complex payment queries
• Produce accurate payment and control reports
• Provide operational cover for senior management when required
• Supervise and support the Payments Operations team
• Allocate workload and ensure all daily processes are completed accurately and on time
• Identify training needs and enhance team capability
• Promote a culture of strong controls, accountability, and continuous improvement

Job description

Deputy Manager - Payment Operations

International Bank | London
Salary: £60,000 per annum

An established international bank based in London is seeking a Deputy Manager - Payment Operations to oversee high-value wholesale payment activity and support the efficient running of the Operations function.

This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity suited to a detail-focused banking professional with strong payments, SWIFT, and compliance expertise.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Operations & IS, the successful candidate will:

• Authorise and verify SWIFT messages, core banking transactions, and payments above £25,000
• Verify transactions exceeding £100,000
• Review daily transaction reports and release sanctions-screened payments, including OFAC alerts
• Ensure full compliance with AML, KYC, and internal risk policies
• Investigate and resolve complex payment queries
• Produce accurate payment and control reports
• Provide operational cover for senior management when required

Leadership & Oversight

The role holder will:

• Supervise and support the Payments Operations team
• Allocate workload and ensure all daily processes are completed accurately and on time
• Identify training needs and enhance team capability
• Promote a culture of strong controls, accountability, and continuous improvement

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong end-to-end payments experience, particularly SWIFT and Correspondent Banking
• Experience with core banking platforms (e.g. Finacle or similar)
• Solid knowledge of AML, KYC, sanctions screening, and UK banking regulations
• Experience handling complex and high-value transactionsStrong analytical ability and exceptional attention to detail
• The ability to perform effectively under pressure
• Proven team leadership and strong communication skills

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payments professional to step into a senior operational role within a respected international banking environment.