Head of Payment Applications

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Head of Payment Applications to lead the development, implementation, and optimization of payment applications for our organization. This role is pivotal to supporting the setup and operations of domestic card schemes, collaboration with international card schemes while ensuring seamless integration with cutting-edge payment technologies.

The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in payment applications and technologies, with expertise in EMV card schemes, payment solution architecture, and vendor management. Proficiency in VISA, MasterCard, Discover, CUP, Troy, Rupay, etc technologies and processes is essential, along with a strong understanding of ISO 8583 and ISO 20022 standards. Knowledge of deployment strategies, security management, capacity management, and modern payment platforms such as FIS and ACI is required.

Key Responsibilities

Payment Application Management:

• Oversee the design, development, and management of payment applications supporting domestic and international card schemes.
• Ensure all applications are compliant with EMV standards, card scheme rules, and regulatory requirements.

Solution Architecture:

• Define and oversee the end-to-end payment solution architecture to ensure scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Collaborate with technology teams to implement robust solutions aligned with business goals.

Technical Leadership:

• Lead the integration and optimization of modern payment platforms such as FIS, ACI, or similar systems.
• Provide technical expertise in EMV technology, ISO 8583, and ISO 20022 to ensure seamless communication and secure payment processing.

Deployment Strategies:

• Design and implement effective deployment strategies, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid solutions.
• Develop rollout plans for new payment systems and applications, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

Security Management:

• Ensure payment applications adhere to the highest security standards, including PCI DSS compliance.
• Proactively identify and mitigate security risks to safeguard sensitive payment data and infrastructure.

Capacity Management:

• Monitor system performance and ensure capacity planning aligns with future business needs.
• Drive infrastructure optimization to support transaction growth and peak performance.

Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with payment technology vendors, ensuring service-level agreements are met and value is maximized.
• Evaluate and onboard new vendors as needed to support business and technology goals.

Card Scheme Expertise:

• Drive the implementation and support of Domestic Schemes and their integration in to international card schemes and other bilateral networks.
• Oversee all card-related operations, including issuance, authorization, settlement, and reconciliation.

Team Leadership:

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of payment application specialists.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the team.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with business units, card schemes, and regulatory authorities to align technology strategies with business objectives.
• Act as a key point of contact for technical discussions with partners, vendors, and industry stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

Experience:

• Minimum 15 years of experience in payment applications, with a focus on EMV card schemes and underlying technologies.
• Proven expertise in payment solution architecture, deployment strategies, and security management.
• Strong knowledge of VISA, MasterCard, and Discover technologies and processes.
• Hands-on experience with ISO 8583 and ISO 20022 standards.
• Experience working with modern payment platforms such as FIS, ACI, or equivalent is required.

Skills:

• Proficiency in designing scalable and secure payment solutions.
• Strong knowledge of PCI DSS compliance, data protection, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Expertise in capacity planning and infrastructure optimization to support growth.
• Demonstrated vendor management skills, including contract negotiation and performance evaluation.

Leadership & Communication:

• Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and presentation skills.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience working in multicultural and global environments.
• Familiarity with emerging trends in payment technologies, open banking, and real-time payments.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to travel 30% of the time is a requirement

Compensation

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including opportunities for professional development and growth.