Head of Global Credit Risk

Adyen; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 210,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial technology company is seeking a Head of Merchant Risk in Chicago to lead a global team focused on operational risk management. The role involves overseeing high-exposure merchants, making high-stakes decisions, and directing the collections strategy. Candidates should have over 8 years of relevant experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to communicate complex risks effectively. This position values in-person collaboration and offers a salary range of $210,000-$280,000 USD.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in an operational risk or credit leadership role within Fintech or high-volume payments.
• Experience managing global, multi-region teams preferred.
• Deep understanding of the merchant lifecycle and mechanics of lending/charge cards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale a high-performing global team across Chicago and other locations.
• Oversee daily monitoring and review of high-exposure merchants.
• Act as the final operational escalation point for high-risk merchant decisions.
• Direct the global Collections function for efficient recovery efforts.
• Maintain partnerships with Product and Second Line Risk for operational alignment.

Skills

Operational risk management

Credit risk analysis

Leadership

Excellent communication

Job description

Adyen provides payments, data, and financial products in a single solution for customers like Meta, Uber, H&M, and Microsoft - making us the financial technology platform of choice. At Adyen, everything we do is engineered for ambition.

For our teams, we create an environment with opportunities for our people to succeed, backed by the culture and support to ensure they are enabled to truly own their careers. We are motivated individuals who tackle unique technical challenges at scale and solve them as a team. Together, we deliver innovative and ethical solutions that help businesses achieve their ambitions faster.

The Role

The Head of Merchant Risk is a pivotal global leadership position within Adyen’s Operations function. While our Second Line defines the boundaries and Product builds the tools, Merchant Risk owns the execution. You are responsible for the day‑to‑day management of Adyen’s counterparty exposure originating from credit risk and chargeback risk. As the chair of the Merchant Risk Committee (MRC) and a member of the Risk Committee (RC), you are the operational voice that bridges the gap between commercial ambition and financial prudence.

What You’ll Do

• Global Leadership – Lead and scale a high‑performing global team across Amsterdam, Singapore and Chicago. You will ensure consistency in decision‑making while accounting for regional market differences.
• Operational Risk Ownership – Oversee the daily monitoring and manual review of high‑exposure merchants within the MPL (Merchant Potential Liability) and Credit Risk (Adyen Capital/Charge Cards) frameworks.
• High‑Stakes Decisioning – Act as the final operational escalation point for “edge case” approvals. You will ensure your teams are prepared and ready to present formal proposals for high‑risk merchant decisions to the Merchant Risk Committee (MRC).
• Strategic Influence – While Product owns the models and Second Line owns the appetite, you are the primary feedback loop. You will use operational data to influence and propose changes to Credit Models, Risk Policies, and Risk Appetite.
• Collections Strategy – Direct the global Collections function, ensuring that when risks materialize, recovery efforts are swift, professional, and effective.
• Stakeholder Navigation – Maintain a tight partnership with Product to ensure risk tools are fit‑for‑purpose and with Second Line Risk to ensure operational alignment with corporate governance.

Who You Are

• 8+ years in an operational risk or credit leadership role within Fintech or high‑volume payments.
• Experience managing global, multi‑region teams is preferred but not essential.
• Deep understanding of the merchant lifecycle, bankruptcy risk, and the mechanics of lending/charge cards.
• Excellent Communication – Ability to translate complex operational risks into clear, concise proposals for executive committees.
• You don’t just follow the policy – you identify when the policy is outdated and have the data‑backed confidence to propose a better way forward.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments

Our unique approach is a product of our diverse perspectives. This diversity of backgrounds and cultures is essential in helping us maintain our momentum. Our business and technical challenges are unique, and we need as many different voices as possible to join us in solving them – voices like yours. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we welcome you to be your true self at Adyen.

Studies show that women and members of underrepresented communities apply for jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Does this sound like you? If so, Adyen encourages you to reconsider and apply. We look forward to your application!

What’s next?

Ensuring a smooth and enjoyable candidate experience is critical for us. We aim to get back to you regarding your application within 5 business days. Our interview process tends to take about 4 weeks to complete, but may fluctuate depending on the role. Learn more about our hiring process here. Don’t be afraid to let us know if you need more flexibility.

Adyen is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status or any legally protected status.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Additional Information

The annual base salary range for this role is $210,000-$280,000 USD; to learn more about our compensation philosophy, please click here.

This role is based out of our Chicago office. We are an office‑first company and value in‑person collaboration; we do not offer remote‑only roles.