General Manager

Position: General Manager

Industry: Financial Services (Payment Systems, Acquiring)

Reporting: Board

Location: Dubai / On-site

Job Description

We are seeking a seasoned General Manager for our client, with 15+ years of experience to lead our financial services company specializing in payment systems and acquiring. This role involves overseeing the strategic management, enhancing profitability, and ensuring operational excellence.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Management: Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve the company's long-term goals.
2. Operational Management: Ensure the effective day-to-day operations of the company. Optimize business processes, control costs, and enhance efficiency.
3. Financial Performance: Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and analysis to achieve financial targets. Optimize revenue streams and improve profitability.
4. Client Relations: Manage and expand the client portfolio for acquiring services. Ensure customer satisfaction and create new business opportunities. Relationship with the Finance Industry Executives is a must.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with financial services regulations. Manage risk and compliance processes effectively. Knowledge of personal data protection regulations and privacy requirements in payment systems.
6. Innovation and Technology: Develop and implement innovative solutions in payment systems and acquiring technologies. Lead digital transformation initiatives.
7. Leadership and Team Management: Provide strong leadership across senior management and other employees. Motivate, develop, and monitor team performance.
8. Marketing and Business Development: Develop and execute marketing strategies to increase market share. Explore new market opportunities and contribute to company growth.
9. Technical Skills:

Understanding of physical and virtual POS devices, their integration, and security standards.

EMV Technologies

Knowledge of the operations of card networks like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, including fee structures and compliance requirements.

Proficiency in contactless payment technologies, mobile wallets, and their infrastructure.

Functions, integration processes, and security protocols of payment gateways.

Understanding the relationship and transaction flows between the card issuer and acquirer.

Requirements and implementation of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

Familiarity with AML regulations and managing these processes.

Familiarity with APIs for integrating acquiring systems with other payment systems and customer platforms.

1. Digital Transformation and Innovation: Understanding the use of blockchain technology in payment systems and the integration of cryptocurrencies.
2. Financial Data Analytics: Analyzing payment data, understanding customer behaviors, and using data-driven approaches for strategic decisions.
3. Project Management Skills: Project management methodologies, particularly for managing payment systems projects within these frameworks.

Qualifications

1. At least 15 years of experience in financial services, payment systems, and specifically acquiring.
2. Proven success in strategic planning and execution.
3. Strong leadership and communication skills.
4. Executive Presence: The ability to project confidence and authority in interactions with senior banking executives, while maintaining professionalism and composure under pressure. Communicating complex ideas and strategies in a clear and compelling manner that resonates with C-suite executives.
5. Negotiation Skills: Win-Win Negotiations and understanding needs.
6. Trust: Establishing and maintaining trust with senior banking clients through consistent and transparent communication.
7. Diplomacy: Managing sensitive discussions with diplomacy, especially when dealing with regulatory issues, compliance concerns, or contract negotiations.
8. Adaptability: Proficiency in communicating effectively across various platforms—whether through formal presentations, written reports, or informal discussions.
9. In-depth knowledge of financial analysis and budgeting.
10. Extensive knowledge of regulations and compliance processes.
11. Experience in innovation and technology management.
12. A degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field. An MBA or similar advanced degree is preferred.
13. Proficiency in English at an advanced level. Arabic is a plus.