Payment Operations Lead (Fintech)

TL;DR

Payment Operations Lead (Fintech): Leading and scaling operational desks for payment rails including international/domestic wires, RTP, ACH, and checks with an accent on process design, automation, and AI integration. Focus on building robust operating rhythms, controls, and cross-functional workflows to ensure reliable money movement in a regulated environment.

Location: Must be based in the United States (San Francisco, New York, Portland, or Remote).

Compensation: $121,500 – $168,700 USD (based on location and experience).

Company

Mercury is a fintech company building a complete finance stack for startups to simplify banking and financial management.

What you will do

• Lead and develop a high-performing Payment Operations team with clear priorities and standards.
• Build and scale operational workflows for wires, RTP, ACH, and checks to support increasing volume.
• Navigate complex payment exceptions, investigations, and partner requirements in a regulated environment.
• Drive operational efficiency through automation, AI-enabled tools, and improved dashboards.
• Partner with Product, Engineering, Compliance, and Risk teams to identify bottlenecks and improve system architecture.
• Define and track key metrics including SLA adherence, control health, and payment rail performance.

Requirements

• Must be based in the United States.
• Extensive experience in payments, banking operations, or fintech.
• Deep working knowledge of payment rails (wires, RTP, ACH, checks) and operational risk.
• Proven track record of leading or coaching operations teams.
• Experience operating in a regulated environment balancing speed, risk, and compliance.
• Strong communication skills for complex, cross-functional, and urgent scenarios.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity packages (stock options/RSUs).
• Commitment to diversity, belonging, and equal employment opportunity.
• Focus on high-trust, high-ownership culture.
• Collaborative environment working across Product, Engineering, and Compliance.