VP, Operations

About the Role

Central Payments is seeking a strategic leader to oversee operations, project execution, and partnership management. This role involves leading high-impact operational initiatives, driving cross-functional collaboration, and delivering results that support innovation and growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop high-performing teams across Operations, Partner Success, and Project Management
• Oversee critical operational functions including Partner & Vendor Management, Bank Relations, Production Onboarding, Support, and Partner Success
• Direct the Project Management Office (PMO), establishing best practices, governance, and project execution standards
• Drive enterprise-wide projects and product implementations while ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements
• Partner with Compliance, QA, IT, Third-Party Risk, and other cross-functional teams to successfully launch new products and services
• Build and strengthen strategic relationships with banking partners, vendors, and key stakeholders
• Lead vendor negotiations to secure favorable service agreements and business outcomes
• Analyze operational metrics and KPIs to identify opportunities for process improvements and operational excellence
• Ensure operational policies, procedures, and controls remain current, documented, and compliant
• Collaborate with Finance to maintain accountability, performance measurement, and financial alignment across Operations and Partner Success
• Provide executive leadership and board-level reporting on operational performance, project status, and strategic initiatives
• Drive continuous improvement efforts that enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and accelerate time-to-launch initiatives

Why You Should Join Us

• Play a key leadership role in a growing fintech organization at the forefront of payments innovation
• Influence enterprise-wide strategy and operational excellence initiatives
• Lead high-impact projects that directly contribute to company growth and revenue generation
• Work alongside talented, collaborative leaders across the organization
• Help build scalable processes and teams that support long-term success

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Project Management, Finance, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience within banking, payments, or fintech
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience managing teams, operational functions, and complex strategic initiatives
• Demonstrated success in operational excellence, process improvement, and organizational leadership
• Experience with vendor management, contract negotiation, and strategic relationship development
• Strong knowledge of payment networks, banking operations, compliance, and risk management practices

Skills and Experience

• Extensive leadership experience in operations, banking, fintech, or payments
• Proven success leading large-scale, cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution
• Strong understanding of payment ecosystems, banking operations, and regulatory requirements
• Experience managing strategic partner, vendor, and bank relationships
• Demonstrated expertise in process improvement, operational optimization, and risk management
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven decision-making approach
• Ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution
• Experience with project management methodologies, governance frameworks, and PMO leadership
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Smartsheet and Microsoft Office applications
• Familiarity with technical concepts and integrations, including APIs

What We Offer

• A hybrid work environment with flexibility
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• A supportive team culture where your voice is heard