Senior Director of Payment Operations chez Desert Financial

The Senior Director, Payment Operations is responsible for leading operational excellence and strategic transformation initiatives across all payment channels and payment types. This position oversees complex system implementations, payment dispute systems, vendor management, regulatory compliance, and team development while ensuring seamless delivery of payment services. The role demonstrates deep payments industry expertise and proven leadership capabilities in executing multi-year infrastructure modernization projects.

What you will do here:

Leadership and Management (40%)

Lead and develop payment operations team including managers and senior staff

Provide direction for all payment channel operations, ensuring transactional integrity, efficiency, accuracy, and system implementations

Lead cross-functional project teams for enterprise payment initiatives

Establish performance metrics and operational standards for payment functions

Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and professional development planning

Operational Oversight (30%)

Ensure operational excellence across card processing, payment disputes and recovery, payment networks, ATMs, wire transfers, ACH, checks, and bill payment services

Monitor system performance, transaction volumes, and service level agreements

Direct daily operations including exception processing, payment dispute and recovery management, general ledger reconciliation, and customer service escalations

Manage operational risk assessment and mitigation strategies

Project Management and Implementation (20%)

Collaborate with Payment Programs team to lead the implementation of new payment technologies and system upgrades

Develop project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation plans

Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements during system transitions

Manage stakeholder communication and change management processes

Compliance and Risk Management (10%)

Ensure adherence to federal regulations including BSA/AML, Reg E, Reg CC, and NACHA rules

Maintain compliance with card network regulations and security standards

Direct fraud prevention programs and risk monitoring procedures

Coordinate with internal audit and regulatory examination processes

Develop and maintain policies and procedures for payment operations.

What you will need:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Information Technology, or related field required.

Equivalent combination of experience required.

10+ years in payment operations; working on teams overseeing processing, disputes, settlement, etc. required.

7+ years in a leadership role; driving strategic department initiatives required.

Experience with large-scale system implementations and vendor management required.

Demonstrated experience with payment processing systems and technologies required.

Expert knowledge of payment systems and types including ACH, checks, wire transfers, card processing, and emerging payment technologies required.

Strong technical acumen; ability to analyze technical challenges, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions required.

Strong understanding of banking regulations and compliance requirements required.

Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools required.

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills required.

Strong written and verbal communication skills required.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment required.

Leadership and team development capabilities required.

Accredited ACH Professional (AAP), Electronic Transaction Association Certified Payment Professional (ETA CPP), Mastercard/Visa Payment Certifications, other industry recognized payment certifications required.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

For additional information about our organization, careers, and benefits visit: http://www.desertfinancial.com/careers.