Head of Payments

Role overview

This role is being promoted for a partner employer, which will handle applications and the rest of the hiring process. The partner is seeking an experienced Head of Payments in Ireland to lead a critical, high-visibility function.

You will be responsible for building and scaling the company’s global payments operation across several markets. The remit covers strategy, day-to-day performance, and product improvement, with a direct link to conversion, revenue, and customer experience. This is a strategic leadership position that also requires hands-on execution in a fast-growing international environment.

Success in this role will depend on strong commercial judgment, deep payments expertise, and the ability to work effectively with Product, Engineering, Finance, and Operations teams. You will also own key provider partnerships, negotiations, and localisation work to strengthen performance and control costs.

Accountabilities

• Set the direction for the global payments agenda and align it with wider growth goals.
• Take full ownership of the payments stack, including PSPs, card payments, wallets, bank transfers, and alternative payment options.
• Improve payment journeys and interface design to lower friction, lift conversion, and create a smoother checkout experience.
• Refine routing rules, provider allocation, and transaction pathways to raise approval rates and lower processing costs.
• Track payment performance across markets, issuers, and providers, and turn findings into practical improvements.
• Handle PSP partnerships, commercial discussions, and contract negotiations to secure competitive pricing, dependable service, and strong service levels.
• Lead localisation efforts for payments, including local acquiring and country-specific payment methods.
• Assess new PSPs, oversee integrations, and manage ongoing vendor performance.
• Build reporting and tracking structures for payment efficiency, cost, and reliability.
• Maintain compliance with payment laws, security requirements, and audit expectations.
• Partner with Product, Technology, Finance, Operations, and Support to strengthen the full payment journey.
• Create scalable processes, clear documentation, and operating controls.
• Guide and grow the payments team by setting targets and supporting professional development.

Requirements

• Significant experience in payments, fintech, or financial services within global or multi-market settings.
• Strong knowledge of payment platforms, PSPs, acquiring, routing optimisation, and transaction processing from end to end.
• Demonstrated success in improving approval rates, conversion, and cost efficiency.
• Proven experience managing PSPs, banks, and other payment partners, including commercial negotiations.
• Strong analytical ability and comfort working with payment data to generate actionable insights.
• Good understanding of compliance, security standards, and regulatory expectations in payments.
• A product-oriented mindset with awareness of payment UX and customer journey optimisation.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives with Product, Engineering, and Finance teams.
• Leadership experience in building and scaling high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.

Benefits

• Competitive pay package with performance-linked incentives.
• Chance to lead and expand a global payments function with major business impact.
• Flexible working setup, with remote or hybrid options depending on organisational structure.
• Health insurance and wellness support.
• Learning and development budget for ongoing professional growth.
• Exposure to international markets and complex payment environments.
• Collaborative, fast-moving workplace with a strong ownership mindset.

Application and privacy information

Applications are reviewed through an AI-assisted matching process to help identify candidates who best fit the role’s core requirements. A shortlist is then shared with the hiring employer, and the employer’s internal team manages interviews, assessments, and final decisions.

By applying, you agree that your personal data may be used to assess your candidacy and shared with the hiring employer where relevant. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual steps under applicable data protection laws, including GDPR. You may exercise your rights to access, correct, erase, or object at any time.

AI tools may also support parts of the recruitment workflow, such as screening applications, reviewing resumes, or checking responses for inconsistencies or verification signals. These tools assist recruiters and do not replace human judgment; final hiring decisions are made by people.