EMEA Payment Operations Team Manager

ADP; Thorpe CP; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider is seeking a Senior Team Manager to oversee the EMEA Payment Operations team. This role involves managing daily operations, providing leadership across sites, and ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in financial services, strong project management abilities, and a background in banking or payroll services. This position demands excellent communication skills and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 7–9 years of business experience in financial services.
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in payroll services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the EMEA Payment Operations team.
• Provide coaching and career development support.
• Manage performance and escalations for payment queries.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Analytical problem-solving

Strong communication skills

Operational management

Education

Post-secondary education in finance or commerce

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Oracle

Excel

Word

Job description

Position Summary: The Senior Team Manager within the EMEA Payment Operations team is responsible for the operational running of the EMEA Payment Operations Team, which provides the UK Payroll Disbursements service to our clients. The role focuses on day‑to‑day funding and payment activities, ensuring all processes are meticulously adhered to in line with control procedures. The team operates in a deadline‑driven environment, and this position requires close collaboration with other IMM teams to ensure key activities are completed efficiently. Additional responsibilities include managing relationships with bank partners and vendors, supporting audit activities, handling client‑facing escalations, and representing the Sr Director as required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the EMEA Payment Operations team
• People management – support the team during daily activities, provide coaching and career development support across 2 sites
• Assist clients with payment‑related queries, including escalations
• Be accountable for the team’s performance
• Develop team strategic priorities and counterbalance any foreseen challenges or difficulties
• Act as owner/driver of change within the team
• Exhibit in‑depth industry knowledge (SME)
• Identify and resolve operational and technical challenges
• Work within a complex matrix management structure
• Manage senior stakeholders across the business, including Sales, Service, and Implementation
• Represent the Sr Director when required (EXCOM, SLT, IMM Senior Leadership forums)
• Support the Sr Director in the absence of the Sr Director with Celergo Payment Support Services
• Lead projects related to IMM modernization/enhancement of payment services
• Facilitate monthly team meetings
• Collaborate with other business units to resolve technical issues
• Ensure compliance with SOX controls, internal ADP policies, external audit bodies, and UK regulatory bodies
• Support the Sr Director in audits relating to payment activities (safeguarding)
• Drive efficiencies and improve processes
• Provide coverage for the Risk Manager’s absences
• Represent EMEA Payment Operations during key projects
• Work with banking partners, involving routine service reviews and relationship management

Qualifications

• 7–9 years of business experience within the financial services environment
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership/people‑management role
• Experience with Oracle, Excel, and Word
• Ability to function in a fast‑paced environment subject to constant change and strict deadlines
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Project management experience
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Banking or payroll services industry experience preferred
• Post‑secondary education with a specialization in finance or commerce (bachelor’s degree preferred)
• Banking/financial services background deemed essential
• Direct reports: 4 currently across two sites (Staines and Cheadle)