Head of Technical Operations

Our client is a fast-growing fintech company focused on transforming how businesses across Africa handle payments. With a mission to empower businesses to thrive, they offer a range of tools that support both online and offline transactions, streamline operations, and fuel business growth. Their culture is rooted in innovation, high standards, and a customer-first approach.

Role Overview

Our client is on a mission to enhance financial services through transparency and trust. They are looking for a Head of Technical Operations to lead the end-to-end management of the bank's technology infrastructure, including core banking systems, payment platforms, and API integrations. You'll drive system performance, automation, and uptime while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure operational efficiency, security, and compliance. Success in this role means delivering highly reliable, secure, and scalable platforms that support seamless digital banking experiences.

Job Type: Permanent/ Full time

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Workplace: Hybrid

Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in technology operations, with a strong focus on payment systems, API integrations, and core banking systems.
• Strong team management skills with the ability to lead and mentor a small technical team, while coordinating with cross-functional departments.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly identify and resolve technical issues.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Familiarity with financial regulations such as CBN rules, AML, KYC, and data privacy laws in Nigeria.
• Ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

What does success look like?

• Ensure platform availability of at least 99.9% for all key banking operations, and 99.9% success rates for transaction processing
• Achieve successful integration of all third-party systems with minimal disruptions and operational impact.
• Ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are consistently met with the core banking provider, with a focus on system reliability, timely issue resolution, and proactive system upgrades.
• Maintain an average incident resolution time of under 2 hours for critical system failures.
• Ensure zero major security breaches and full compliance with all relevant banking and data security regulations.

Responsibilities

• Technology Infrastructure Management: Oversee the management and performance of the bank's digital platforms, APIs, and core banking systems, ensuring 99.9% system uptime.
• System Integration: Lead the integration of third-party services and partners (e.g., payment processors, banking partners, merchant platforms) through robust API integration.
• Process Automation: Drive automation efforts to improve the efficiency of payment processing, virtual account creation, and settlement systems, reducing manual intervention and operational costs.
• Platform Performance: Ensure all systems are optimized for speed, security, and reliability, monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to minimize downtime and service disruptions.
• Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: Work closely with the Operations, Financial, and Compliance teams to ensure technology platforms meet the bank's operational needs, including secure payment processing and settlement systems.
• Risk Management: Implement and oversee security protocols to protect sensitive financial data and ensure compliance with CBN regulations and other data protection laws (e.g., GDPR).
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with technology vendors and service providers, ensuring that SLAs are met and technology systems are supported effectively.
• Troubleshooting & Support: Lead troubleshooting efforts for technical issues, ensuring timely resolution and minimal disruption to operations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and compensation package
• Full medical coverage
• Fully covered parental leave
• Performance-based incentives
• Leadership in a growing financial institution
• Smart, kind colleagues who're invested in your growth