Head of Payments

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Head of Payments based in Italy. This is a high‑impact leadership role responsible for shaping and scaling the global payments function across multiple markets. You will own the end‑to‑end payments ecosystem, ensuring it is efficient, reliable, and optimised for growth and customer experience. The role spans strategy, operations, and product optimisation, with direct influence on conversion rates and revenue performance. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams including Product, Engineering, Finance, and Operations to drive payment innovation and localisation. This position requires strong analytical capability, commercial acumen, and deep payments expertise. You will also lead provider relationships and negotiations to improve performance and reduce costs. It is a highly strategic yet hands‑on role in a fast‑scaling, international environment. Accountabilities

Define and execute global payments strategy aligned with broader business growth objectives. Own and optimise the end‑to‑end payments ecosystem, including PSPs, cards, wallets, bank transfers, and alternative payment methods. Improve payment UX/UI to reduce friction, increase conversion, and enhance customer payment journeys. Optimise routing logic, provider allocation, and transaction flows to maximise approval rates and reduce costs. Monitor payment performance across markets, issuers, and providers, identifying trends and improvement opportunities. Manage PSP relationships, negotiations, and commercial agreements to ensure optimal pricing, reliability, and service levels. Drive payment localisation initiatives, including local acquiring and market‑specific payment methods. Lead PSP evaluations, integrations, and ongoing performance management. Build and maintain robust reporting frameworks for payment performance, cost efficiency, and reliability metrics. Ensure compliance with payment regulations, security standards, and audit requirements. Collaborate with Product, Tech, Finance, Operations, and Support teams to enhance end‑to‑end payment systems. Establish scalable processes, documentation, and operational controls. Lead and develop the payments team, setting goals and enabling professional growth.

Requirements

Extensive experience in payments, fintech, or financial services in a global or multi‑market environment. Strong background in payment systems, PSPs, acquiring, routing optimisation, and transaction lifecycle management. Proven ability to improve payment performance metrics such as approval rates, conversion, and cost efficiency. Experience negotiating and managing relationships with PSPs, banks, and payment partners. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret payment data and drive actionable insights. Solid understanding of payment compliance, security standards, and regulatory frameworks. Product‑minded approach with an understanding of payment UX and customer journey optimisation. Experience leading cross‑functional initiatives across Product, Engineering, and Finance. Strong leadership experience, including building and scaling high‑performing teams. Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision‑making skills.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package with performance‑based incentives. Opportunity to lead and scale a global payments function with significant business impact. Flexible working arrangements (remote/hybrid depending on structure). Health insurance and wellness support programs. Learning and development budget to support professional growth. Exposure to international markets and complex payment ecosystems. Collaborative, high‑growth environment with strong ownership culture.

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