Director of Payments Operations

Our client is a leading iGaming group with a strong international presence, operating multiple brands across diverse markets. They are seeking a Director of Payments Operations to oversee global payment processes, ensure operational excellence, and strengthen governance across the payments function.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for defining the payments operations strategy, maintaining accuracy and compliance, and driving process optimisation across all markets. The Director will lead a global team and collaborate closely with Finance, Compliance, Legal, Risk, and Technology to ensure efficient, secure, and scalable operations that support business growth and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

The position reports directly to senior leadership and requires a strategic, detail-oriented professional with a strong understanding of operational workflows, controls, and regulatory requirements in the payments domain.

Location: Malta, hybrid from the office three days per week

Responsibilities:

As Director of Payments Operations, your broad responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Operational Governance

• Define and execute the payments operations strategy in alignment with the company’s commercial goals, regulatory requirements, and customer experience objectives.
• Develop and maintain robust operational policies, procedures, and controls to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across all markets.
• Proactively identify operational risks, implementing mitigation and contingency plans to safeguard business operations.
• Contribute to strategic planning discussions, ensuring operational readiness for new products, markets, or regulatory changes.

Operational Excellence & Process Optimisation

• Oversee all day-to-day payments operations, including transaction processing, settlements, reconciliations, and issue resolution.
• Drive efficiency through process improvement, automation, and the implementation of scalable systems and tools.
• Establish, monitor, and optimise operational KPIs, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with broader business objectives.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure seamless payment workflows that minimise customer friction and enhance reliability.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Design and implement reporting frameworks to track payment KPIs, team productivity, and operational performance.
• Deliver data-driven insights and recommendations to senior leadership to support strategic decision-making and operational planning.
• Maintain transparency and accountability through regular operational reviews and progress reporting.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a global team of payments operations professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
• Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and support professional growth through structured feedback, training, and development programmes.
• Ensure effective resource planning and succession management across the team.
• Promote inclusion, engagement, and recognition within the department.

Strategic Insight & Industry Best Practice

• Stay informed on developments in payments technology, regulation, and operational best practice to ensure continued innovation and compliance.
• Evaluate new tools and process improvements to maintain a competitive, forward-thinking operations function.
• Provide expert input on the operational implications of strategic initiatives and market expansion.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with HR on recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies for the payments operations team.
• Work closely with Finance, Compliance, Legal, and Risk to maintain regulatory reporting standards and strengthen internal controls.
• Support organisational initiatives requiring operational input or payments expertise.

Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in payment operations or financial services, ideally within iGaming, fintech, or a regulated environment.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior leadership or management position.
• Strong understanding of payment processing, settlements, reconciliation, and financial controls.
• Excellent knowledge of compliance and regulatory frameworks related to payments.
• Proven experience improving operational efficiency through process design and automation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with fluency in English.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned payments operations leader to join a high-performing global organisation and shape the operational backbone of its payments ecosystem. The successful candidate will play a central role in driving efficiency, governance, and innovation across a rapidly evolving payments landscape.

What we offer:

Competitive Compensation: You will receive a highly competitive compensation package, which includes a competitive base salary, performance bonuses, and other incentives, all reflective of your experience and contribution.

Work-Life Balance: We value work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, recognising that achieving your best in your career requires a healthy balance between work and personal life.