Payments Operations Transformation Group Manager

Are you looking for a career move that will put you at the leadership helm of a global financial institution? Then bring your strategic vision, leadership, and expertise in AI adoption and operational transformation to Citi’s Services Payments Operations Transformation team.

By Joining Citi, you will become part of a global organisation whose mission is to serve as a trusted partner to our clients by responsibly providing financial services that enable growth and economic progress.

Team/Role Overview

Senior Vice President (SVP) within Payments OPS Transformation & Operational Readiness plays a pivotal senior leadership role in defining the strategic direction for product development, operational processes transformation, enhancements to existing infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and client experience. This role focuses on driving operational efficiencies, eliminating manual touchpoints, increasing Straight-Through Processing (STP), reducing risks, and serving as a key thought leader for AI adoptionacross Services Operations, fully aligning with Citi's Target Operating Model (TOM).

This role requires a visionary, self-starting leader who can operate with high autonomy while fostering a collaborative global team environment. The individual will drive adoption to the target operating model, including AI-driven enhancements, working closely with business analysts and specialists from various areas, cooperating closely with senior stakeholder groups, including but not limited to Services Operations, Product, Reconciliation Unit, Client Service, Traders, Technology, and Developers.

What you’ll do

As a senior leader within the Services Payments Operations Transformation team, your responsibilities will include:

• AI & UI Strategy Definition:Defines the strategy for Ops UI adoption across Services Ops, establishing a roadmap for modern, intelligent user interfaces that streamline operations.

• AI-Driven Efficiency Execution:Drives the Ops efficiency execution strategy for Ops UI using AI, leveraging advanced technologies to automate complex workflows and decision-making.

• Senior Stakeholder Engagement:Engages senior Product and Technology stakeholders to align on the vision for AI assisted utilities and explores opportunities.

• Cross-LOB Collaboration:Proactive cross-LOB connect with transformation leads for opportunity identification, ensuring best practices and innovative solutions are scaled across the enterprise.

• Governance & Oversight:Organizes and oversees execution of governance forums (Steer Co etc.) to report on progress, align priorities, and secure executive sponsorship.

• Operations Process Analysis & Leadership:Direct the collaboration with Services Operations teams to identify and integrate relevant data sources (e.g., system logs, transaction data, performance metrics, workflow data) into analysis platforms to gain comprehensive insights into operational performance.

• Operational Cost Reduction:Drive opportunities to reduce operational costs through process optimization, technology adoption, and strategic resource management.

• Operational Requirements Definition:Establish and govern operational requirements provided to development teams to ensure new features are designed with operational efficiency, scalability, and supportability in mind.

• Quantification and Reporting:Oversee the development and maintenance of metrics to quantify operational savings (MTPs, HC, cost) and report on progress to executive stakeholders.

• Test Case & PVT Governance:Oversee test case validation and Performance Validation Testing (PVT) scenario definitions in cooperation with affected operational areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage of operational scenarios and real-world simulation.

• Launch Readiness & Post-Launch Support:Direct the development and implementation of operational launch plans for new functionalities, including training materials, support documentation, monitoring dashboards, incident response procedures, and ongoing post-commercialization support.

What we’ll need from you

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Multi-years experiencein operational processes related to domestic and cross border payments, with a proven track of record of process enhancements implemented.

• Deep domain expertisein any or all of Cross border payment processing and repairs, SWIFT standards, ISO 20022 XML messages, ACH payment processing, clearing and settlement schema, Nostro reconciliation and payment processing involving automated FX, AML, Sanctions screening, payment regulations including PSD2, EU FTR & Travel Rule.

• Thought Leadership in AI:Proven experience or strong working knowledge of AI adoption, machine learning, and intelligent automation within financial operations, aligning with a Target Operating Model (TOM).

• Senior Stakeholder Management:Exceptional ability to handle senior internal partner relationships, influence technology and product roadmaps, and navigate complex organizational structures.

• Experience using Jiraand working knowledge of Scrum / Kanban methodologies is preferable.

• Attention to Detail:High attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks, especially in strategic documentation and data governance.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving:Advanced problem-solving and analytical capabilities to drive strategic decision-making.

• Adaptability:High adaptability and resilience to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where priorities can frequently shift.

• Technical proficiency:Intermediate Excel skills (lookups, pivots) and working knowledge of PowerPoint and AI Tools.

• Language:Fluent in written and verbal English.

What we offer:

By joining Citi Solutions Center Poland, you will not only be part of a business casual workplace with a hybrid working model (currently up to 2 days working at home per week), but also (potentially, subject to final offer) receive a competitive base salary and enjoy a whole host of additional benefits which can include:

• Employer paid Defined Contribution Pension Plan contribution of 6% of employee’s pensionable earnings (PPE Program)

• Employer paid Private Medical Care Package for employees and Private Medical Care Packages for certain family members available at preferential rates

• Employer paid Life Insurance Program for employees and Life Insurance for certain family members available at preferential rates

• Employee Assistance Program financed by Employer

• Paid Parental Leave Program (maternity and paternity leave; statutory and 2 weeks additional paid paternity leave)

• Sport Card for employees subsidised via Social Benefits Fund and Sport Cards for certain family members available at preferential rates

• Additional benefits from Company’s Social Benefit Fund, in particular: Holidays Allowance, support for sport and cultural activities, team building events.

• Additional day off for volunteering

• Cafeteria/ flex benefit – a company benefits system which enables employees to select and purchase benefits offered by a provider and available for employees on the platform.

• Opportunity to receive an annual discretionary incentive award

• Special offers and discounts for employees

• Click here to review the Remuneration Regulations extract.  

Alongside these benefits Citi is committed to ensuring our workplace is where everyone feels comfortable coming to work as their whole self every day.  We want the best talent around the world to be energized to join us, motivated to stay, and empowered to thrive. 

Sounds like Citi has everything you need? Then apply to discover the true extent of your capabilities. 

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