Head of Payments

Lead the strategy, transformation, and delivery of a world-class Payments ecosystem at IDFC FIRST Bank. Drive secure, scalable, and resilient payment solutions across ATM, Cards, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, and core banking integrations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the global Payments technology strategy aligned with business goals and enterprise architecture roadmaps for markets including India and beyond.
• Own the end-to-end Payments technology tower covering solution design, engineering delivery, application support, modernisation, and operational excellence.
• Lead large-scale transformation initiatives across payment platforms including ATM, CTS, Debit/Credit Cards, Card Switch, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, and core banking integrations for diverse customer segments.
• Partner with business leaders in Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai; Enterprise Architects; Cybersecurity teams; Operations; and delivery units to drive effective technology solutions across geographies.
• Ensure architecture, security, scalability, performance, and operational resilience standards are embedded across payment solutions serving millions of customers.
• Drive adoption of cloud technologies (AWS), API-led integration, automation, AI/ML capabilities, and modern engineering practices for global competitive advantage.
• Manage delivery outcomes, technology risks, dependencies, and governance for strategic Payments initiatives with enterprise-wide impact.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing international Payments technology team including architects, engineers, and support teams.
• Manage resource planning, team performance, vendor relationships, and continuous capability development across global delivery centers.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise standards, regulatory requirements (RBI), cybersecurity frameworks, and ethical banking principles globally.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field preferred for global mobility.
• 15+ years of experience managing large-scale Payments platforms and technology teams across Banking Fintech sectors internationally.
• Expertise in payment domains including ATM, Cards, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, Card Switch, and Core Banking integrations with cross-border exposure preferred.
• Proven expertise in enterprise solution architecture, modernisation, cloud adoption (AWS), and technology transformation for digital-first banks.
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity, operational resilience, APIs, microservices, cloud-native architectures, DevOps practices, and AI/ML-assisted development tools.
• Demonstrated strong leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and decision-making skills in high-growth environments like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai or similar tech hubs.