Head of Operations

About the Role

This senior leadership position is with a global, fully remote financial services firm seeking a Head of Operations based in Portugal. The successful candidate will shape and expand the operational backbone of the organization, leading critical functions and ensuring operational excellence across payments, reconciliations, business operations, and digital asset settlement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a comprehensive operations strategy focused on scalability, efficiency, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage core operational teams including payments, treasury, reconciliations, card and back-office operations, and general business operations.
• Set and oversee operational performance metrics, controls, and continuous improvement programs to maintain superior service standards.
• Drive process enhancements, automation, and transformation using structured approaches, technology solutions, data analytics, and AI tools.
• Develop and enforce standardized operating procedures to enhance operational consistency and transparency.
• Build and lead a high-performing operations team promoting accountability, teamwork, and ongoing development.
• Work closely with compliance, risk management, and financial crime prevention teams to adhere to regulatory and organizational policies.
• Implement operational risk frameworks incorporating monitoring, reporting, controls, and preparedness for audits.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with technology, data, HR, and client services to ensure alignment and operational synergy.
• Oversee digital asset settlement operations, covering reconciliation, wallet administration, custody controls, and crypto-fiat operational workflows.

Candidate Profile

• Over 10 years of progressive leadership in operations within banking, fintech, financial services, or wealth management sectors.
• Proven track record scaling multiple operational domains such as payments, treasury, settlements, and business functions.
• Expertise in process optimization, automation, and building scalable operational workflows.
• Strong knowledge of financial regulatory landscapes, compliance standards, anti-money laundering, and financial crime avoidance measures.
• Experience managing and growing multidisciplinary operations teams.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder communication, problem-solving aptitude, and strategic planning skills.
• Familiarity with cryptocurrency, blockchain, or digital asset operational environments highly preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a fully remote, global setting with high autonomy and collaborative spirit.
• Must have access to a dedicated workspace with a reliable high-speed internet connection.

Benefits

• Work remotely from any location.
• Flexible hours and autonomy over your work schedule.
• Attractive salary commensurate with experience and responsibilities.
• Flexible paid time off supporting work-life balance and well-being.
• Join a global, high-achieving team involved in impactful, tech-driven projects.
• Annual learning and development allowance for professional growth including courses, conferences, and literature.
• Opportunity to influence innovative advancements in financial services.