Manager, Payments Transformation & Operations
Boku Inc. (BOKU.L) is the leading global provider of local mobile-first payments solutions. Global brands including Amazon, DAZN, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, Sony, Spotify, and Tencent rely on Boku to reach millions of new paying consumers who do not use credit cards with our purpose-built payment network of more than 300 local payment methods across 70+ countries. Every year, Boku processes over $10 billion in value for our customers. Incorporated in 2008, Boku is headquartered in London and San Francisco and has employees in over 39 countries around the world, including Brazil, China, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, and the UAE. Boku is a truly global company that takes pride in its diversity and thriving equal opportunity workplace.
Department: Banking & Settlements
Reporting to: VP Settlements
Role Purpose
We’re seeking an experienced Manager, Payments Transformation & Operations who will play a key role in optimizing Boku’s operational framework across digital wallets, local payment methods, and carrier billing. You’ll work closely with Commercial, Finance, Tax, Product, and Engineering teams to understand the end-to-end payment setup, identify operational gaps, and drive automation or eliminate obsolete processes — ensuring Boku’s operations remain efficient, compliant, and scalable.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Payment Operations Transformation: Own and drive transformation initiatives across Payment Operations, focusing on process redesign, automation, and AI-led optimization to improve scalability, efficiency, and control.
- Design and Implement Automation Solutions: Take a hands-on approach in identifying manual workflows and building solutions using automation tools, AI platforms, macros (e.g., Excel/VBA), and low-code/no-code technologies to eliminate inefficiencies and reduce operational overhead.
- Act as a Strategic Transformation Partner: Represent Payment Operations in cross-functional initiatives (Product, Engineering, Commercial, Finance), ensuring new implementations (networks, partners, merchants) are designed with scalable, automated, and future-ready operational models.
- Embed Scalable Operational Design: Ensure all new payment integrations and launches are operationally robust, minimizing manual intervention and enabling long-term scalability from day one.
- Leverage Data, Tooling, and AI for Continuous Improvement: Use data analysis, scripting, and AI-driven insights to proactively optimize transaction flows, reconciliation processes, exception handling, and reporting.
- Maintain Deep Payment Operations Expertise: Bring strong domain knowledge across digital wallets, local payment methods, and carrier billing to inform both transformation initiatives and operational decisions.
- Collaborate Cross-Functionally for End-to-End Optimization: Partner with Commercial, Finance, Tax, Product, and Engineering teams to improve settlement flows, reconciliation accuracy, cash flow management, and operational efficiency.
- Own Operational Processes and Outcomes: Oversee key processes including transaction processing, settlements, reconciliations, chargebacks, and exception management, ensuring stability while driving continuous improvement.
- Manage and Evolve Partner Operations: Build and maintain relationships with payment service providers, digital wallet partners, MNOs, and acquirers, while evolving operational processes in line with partner capabilities and business growth.
- Ensure Compliance and Operational Controls: Maintain adherence to regulatory and internal requirements (AML, PSD2, local regulations) while embedding controls into automated and transformed processes.
- Define and Track Performance Metrics: Establish and monitor KPIs (e.g., transaction success rates, reconciliation accuracy, settlement timeliness), using insights to drive measurable transformation outcomes.
Key Skills and Competencies
- Experience of at least 8-12 years in payment operations, treasury, or transaction management — ideally in fintech, digital payments, or telecom billing.
- Experience in using AI tools to transform and automate processes
- Strong understanding of digital wallets, local payment methods, and carrier billing ecosystems.
- Knowledge of cross-border payments, FX flows, and multi-currency settlements.
- Skilled in payment gateway operations, reconciliations, and ERP/ledger tools.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and process improvement abilities.
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, and Tax teams.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience leading or mentoring teams in fast-paced environments.
Qualifications
- MBA preferred, particularly for candidates with experience applying structured business and operations frameworks in fintech or payments environments.
- AI-related certifications (e.g., machine learning, data science, AI product, or automation platforms) are preferred.