Director, Payment Risk Operations

About the Role

We are seeking a senior leader in payment risk operations based in the United States to lead and expand a vital function within a fast-scaling technology company. This leadership role combines high-level strategic planning with hands-on execution in managing risk frameworks, operational workflows, and scalable payment systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain the payment risk strategy, risk appetite, and policy framework collaborating with senior leadership.
• Lead all aspects of payment risk including underwriting, transaction monitoring, fraud control, dispute resolution, and compliance operations.
• Oversee merchant onboarding and lifecycle risk management processes involving credit decisioning, KYC/KYB compliance, and risk thresholds.
• Enhance fraud detection methods, monitoring systems, escalation procedures, and operational controls.
• Ensure adherence to card network standards, sponsor bank policies, payment regulations, and industry compliance requirements.
• Develop scalable infrastructure including automation, reporting systems, and operational manuals to support significant growth in payment volumes.
• Act as a strategic advisor on risk and payments to executives, financial partners, and stakeholders.
• Build and lead a high-performing risk operations team with clear organizational structure and growth plans.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, sales, customer success, partnerships, and finance to support responsible business expansion.
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, measure outcomes, and continually enhance risk management effectiveness.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Minimum 8 years' experience in payments, risk management, financial services operations, or related sectors.
• At least 3 years in leadership roles managing payment risk, fraud, underwriting, or operations teams.
• Demonstrated ownership of a major risk domain with experience in strategy development, policies, and operational governance.
• Proficiency in underwriting, credit risk assessment, fraud prevention, and transaction monitoring.
• Familiarity with embedded payments, PayFac models, or similar payment platform environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of card network rules, sponsor bank requirements, NACHA standards, and payment processing architectures.
• Experience growing teams, processes, and systems in rapid-growth companies.
• Advanced analytical abilities with expertise in Excel, Google Sheets, reporting tools, and data-informed decision-making.
• Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce or equivalent is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly engage executive and technical audiences.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or equivalent professional experience.
• Ability to build order and clarity in ambiguous and evolving operational environments.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Fully remote work setup available within the United States.
• Opportunity to lead and influence a strategic business function with high executive visibility.
• Direct collaboration with senior leadership on essential risk and growth strategies.
• Chance to recruit and develop a growing team in a fast-expanding tech organization.
• Design and implement scalable systems and processes to support long-term growth.
• An inclusive and transparent culture focused on continuous operational improvement and excellence.
• Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive workplace environment.