[Hiring] Vice President - Technology - Payment Gateways @Mashreq

Role Description

Vice President – Payments Platforms will serve as the strategic and technical leader responsible for the modernization, governance, and innovation of the bank’s payments ecosystem, with a key mandate to lead the migration from Oracle Flexcube to Oracle Banking Payments (OBP) 14.7. This role requires exceptional leadership, cross-functional coordination, and deep domain expertise to future-proof the bank’s payment architecture and operational landscape.

• Modernization of Payments Architecture
  • Define the target OBP architecture, retire redundant legacy components, and integrate RTGS, SWIFT, ACH, ICCS, NPSS, and proprietary networks.
  • Drive API-first, modular, and microservices-based modernization aligned with enterprise standards.
• Stakeholder and Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Align business, operations, compliance, technology, and regional stakeholders on OBP priorities and rollout plans.
  • Serve as Payments SME in executive, regulatory, and strategic forums.
• Innovation and Capability Building
  • Advance real-time payments, ISO 20022, intelligent fraud detection and routing, auto reconciliation, repair automation, and predictive SLA monitoring.
• Vendor and Partner Management
  • Govern Partner Performance, SLAs, risks, escalations, roadmaps, statements of work, commercials, and support models.
• Team Leadership and Capability Development
  • Build and develop a high-performing team of platform engineers, business analysts, solution architects, and project managers.
  • Establish KPIs, training, career development, knowledge transfer, and post-go-live capability.
• Operational Excellence and Service Continuity
  • Ensure production stability, service continuity, BCP/DR readiness, root-cause closure, and preventive monitoring after migration.
• OBP Migration and Scoping Workshops (Cross-Cutting)
  • Lead six-country scoping and future-state workshops covering workflows, regulatory needs, configuration, exceptions, pain points, estimates, and governance.
  • Consolidate outcomes into an approved scope, delivery plan, and resource budget.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in the payments industry, with a successful track record of leading complex projects and initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of payment systems, including RTGS, card networks, and digital payment solutions, with a focus on Oracle Flexcube and OBP.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide a diverse and talented team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration and relationship-building at all levels.
• Strategic mindset, coupled with a proactive and analytical approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing changing priorities and delivering projects on time and within budget.
• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, engineering, or business administration, with additional certifications in payments or related domains being an advantage.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, execute, and oversee complex projects from inception to completion.
• A results-driven and innovative approach, with a track record of successfully implementing new payment technologies and business models.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development, staying updated with the latest industry trends and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the migration project, ensuring a seamless transition to OBP 14.7, meeting all technical and business requirements.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive modernization strategy, identifying and implementing best practices for the payments ecosystem.
• Establish robust governance frameworks to maintain compliance, mitigate risks, and ensure data privacy and security.
• Encourage and support the exploration of new payment technologies, business models, and partnerships to stay ahead of the curve.
• Collaborate with diverse teams, including IT, operations, and business units, to align payment strategies with overall business goals.
• Stay abreast of industry developments, identifying opportunities for process enhancements and cost-effective solutions.
• Mentor and guide a talented team of payment professionals, fostering their professional growth and expertise.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive successful project collaborations.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Ensure the payments ecosystem remains agile and adaptable, capable of responding to changing market dynamics and regulatory requirements.

Company Description

The leading financial institution in MENA. While more than half a century old, we proudly think like a challenger, startup, and innovator in banking and finance, powered by a diverse and dynamic team who put customers first. Together, we pioneer key innovations and developments in banking and financial services. Our mandate? To help customers find their way to Rise Every Day, partnering with them through the highs and lows to help them reach their goals and unlock their unique vision of success. Delivering superior service to clients by leading with innovation, treating colleagues with dignity and fairness while pursuing opportunities that grow shareholders value. We actively contribute to the community through responsible banking in our mission to inspire more people to Rise.