Head Payment Operations

Absa Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in South Africa is seeking an experienced Head of Payments Operations to manage payment operations across Pan-Africa. In this pivotal role, you will ensure efficiency, control, and exceptional service quality while embedding a risk-aware culture. The ideal candidate should possess at least 8-10 years in payment operations and a strong background in regulatory compliance. Join us to redefine payments across Africa and to contribute to call for operational excellence and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in payment operations.
• At least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in managing regulatory compliance within a complex payments environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of payment processing.
• Lead implementation of payments infrastructure enhancements.
• Translate high-level payments strategies into executable plans.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead a high-performing team focused on payments execution.

Skills

Payment operations management

Regulatory compliance

Operational risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Knowledge of payment technologies

Education

B degree in Business, Finance, or Law

Postgraduate Degrees and Professional Qualifications: Banking and International Finance

Relevant certifications (e.g., ACAMS, CIPP, PMP)

Tools

ISO 20022

Real-time payments technologies

Job description

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Payments Operations to manage the daily execution of payment operations across Pan‑Africa. In this role you will ensure efficiency, control, and exceptional service quality while spearheading continuous improvements in payment processes and systems aligned with our business objectives. As a functional leader, you will execute strategic direction from enterprise and Group leadership, translating it into scalable, operationally sound outcomes within the payments environment. You will serve as the key integrator of business requirements, operational delivery, and regulatory expectations, ensuring our internal capabilities meet current service demands and evolving market standards.

Job Description

Your key accountabilities in this role will include:

• Overseeing the full lifecycle of payment processing, guaranteeing accuracy, efficiency, and service continuity across all channels and platforms.
• Leading the implementation of payments infrastructure enhancements, aligning with Group strategy and market developments.
• Translating high‑level payments strategies into executable plans with measurable outcomes.
• Coordinating with Technology, Alma Operations, and Product teams to deliver cost‑effective and client‑centric payment solutions.
• Ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements relating to domestic and cross‑border impurity, including AML/CFT, Central Bank guidelines, and data privacy laws.
• Implementing and maintaining operational controls, reporting routines, and compliance assurance frameworks.

• Embedding a risk‑aware culture within the payments team, with clear accountability for fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and resilience.
• Collaborating with control functions to manage payment‑related risks, including liquidity risks, processing errors, and reputational exposure.

• Serving as the key point of contact for internal stakeholders across Product, Tech, Operations, Legal, and Compliance on all payments‑related matters.
• Supporting external engagement with regulators and industry bodies by coordinating internal positions and responses.

• Leading a high‑performing team of specialists focused on payments execution and regulatory readiness.
• 申博太阳城 a culture of operational discipline, continuous learning, and accountability.
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If you are passionate about operational excellence, regulatory adherence, and building the next generation of payment systems, we invite you to apply and be part of a team that is redefining payments across Africa. Send in your application if you meet the above and below criteria.

• A B degree in Business, Finance, Law, or a related discipline required.
• An advanced degree or relevant certifications in payments, regulatory compliance, or risk (e.g. ACAMS, CIPP, PMP) are advantageous.
• A minimum of 8–10 years of experience in payment operations, financial services, or banking, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• A demonstrated experience in managing regulatory compliance and operational risk within a complex payments environment.
• Familiar with modern payment technologies (e.g., ISO 20022, real‑time payments) and emerging fintech trends.
• A track record of cross‑functional project delivery, successful operational improvements and proven success in process improvement and technology implementation.

Education

Postgraduate Degrees and Professional Qualifications: Banking and International Finance.

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised.