Payment Operations Lead

hackajob is partnering directly with NEXT to hire for this role.

The Role
Play a key role in managing £4 billion in global payments, leading a talented team, and driving a major ERP transformation. We are looking for a Payment Operations Lead who thrives in fast-paced, high-volume environments and brings a passion for operational excellence, collaborative leadership and meaningful change. This role goes far beyond overseeing daily processes. You will take end-to-end ownership from strategy to execution, guiding a dedicated team through a significant systems evolution.

You will ensure the accurate, timely, and secure disbursement of over £4 billion in annual payments across our global operations.
Managing a UK team of three alongside offshore resources, you will serve as the expert and go-to contact for payment operations across the business. Your leadership will be essential as we transition to a new ERP platform, where your expertise will deliver a smooth, efficient implementation with zero disruption to our payment commitments.
What You Will Take On
Lead and support your team:  Build an environment of continuous improvement while ensuring accurate, compliant global payments.

Own the payment cycle:  Oversee end-to-end operations including supplier payments, payroll, tax disbursements, and intercompany transfers.

Drive ERP transformation:  Lead User Acceptance Testing (UAT), cutover strategy, go-live readiness, and post-launch stability for payments.

Manage key partnerships:  Strengthen relationships with external banking partners and Payment Service Providers (PSPs), collaborating closely with internal Treasury, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and IT teams.

Uphold compliance and risk management:  Maintain robust internal controls and ensure strict adherence to external financial regulations.

Focus on continuous improvement:  Introduce modern tools, automation, and refined processes that reduce risk and increase efficiency.

What You Will Bring
Proven track record leading payment operations in a complex, high-volume environment, ideally within global retail.

Strong leadership capability with experience developing both UK-based and offshore teams.

Comprehensive understanding of global payment mechanisms and financial compliance standards, including AML, sanctions and treasury controls.

Practical experience with enterprise ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle, alongside exposure to payment automation tools like Robotic Process Automation (RPA) or payment factories.

A clear, analytical approach to problem-solving and a calm, proactive attitude toward change.

Excellent communication skills with an ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders across the business.

Desirable Qualifications
Professional qualification such as ACT, CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent.

Direct experience delivering payment transformation or system migration projects.
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