Head of Operations - Ireland (COO - PCF-42)

Job description

LemFi (Series B) is building the go-to financial app for the Global South. Moving to a new country shouldn’t mean starting from zero. That's why our team of 400+ spanning 20+ countries is building a financial ecosystem that helps immigrants stay connected to home, build stability, and create wealth regardless of where they are from or where they live. What began as fast, affordable remittances is now evolving into a complete platform for multi-currency accounts, payments, credit, and long-term financial growth. With millions of users across the globe, we process over $1B in monthly transactions to 30+ countries, proving that borders shouldn't limit financial opportunity. **About the role** LemFi is the financial engine for people the world wasn't built to serve. We move money across ~21 countries, and our regulated European hub, operating as a licensed Payment Institution in Ireland, sits at the centre of how we deliver on that mission for millions of customers. As Chief Operating Officer (PCF-42), you hold direct accountability for every part of LemFi Europe's operational performance, from transaction processing and payment flows to outsourcing governance and operational resilience under DORA. You will be a named Pre-Approval Controlled Function with the Central Bank of Ireland, which means you bring not just the operational horsepower to scale a fast-moving fintech, but the regulatory credibility and personal conduct standards the CBI expects of senior leaders in a licensed firm. **What you'll build and own** - Own the end-to-end operational performance of LemFi Europe: transaction processing, customer operations, payment flows, reconciliations, and service delivery, holding the business to measurable quality and availability standards. - Lead operational resilience in line with DORA, covering ICT governance, incident management, business continuity, and outsourcing oversight, so we never let a preventable disruption reach our customers. - Drive a data-led operating model, using insight and AI-assisted analysis to surface control weaknesses, prioritise improvements, and report clearly to the Board, the CBI, and internal PCFs. - Govern all vendor and outsourcing arrangements to CBI Outsourcing Guidelines and EBA ICT standards, maintaining a register of critical providers and owning escalation when partners underperform. - Partner with the MLRO on AML/CFT operational controls, ensuring detection and reporting systems are effective and compliant with the CJA framework. - Support the Head of Risk, Head of Compliance, and MLRO by ensuring operational controls, processes, and data flows give each PCF what they need to meet their regulatory obligations. - Shape a culture of accountability, integrity, and customer focus consistent with CBI conduct expectations, setting the tone across a cross-functional team in a high-growth environment. **Your experience** - 8 or more years in payments, fintech, money remittance, or regulated financial services, with meaningful time in an executive or senior leadership role carrying direct regulatory accountability. - Deep hands-on experience in operational management: transaction processing, customer operations, payment processor relationships, and critical ICT vendor oversight. - Personal familiarity with the Central Bank of Ireland regulatory framework, PSR requirements (safeguarding, refund rights, service reliability), and DORA, ideally from a PCF or equivalent named-person role. - Proven ability to design scalable, controls-led processes and to identify and remediate control weaknesses before they become regulatory findings. - Track record of communicating with Boards, regulators, and external partners, translating operational complexity into clear, evidence-based narrative. - Demonstrated ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams and foster a culture of constructive challenge and high professional standards in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment. **Nice to have** - Prior experience as a named PCF or equivalent Senior Manager Function (SMF) at a regulated Payment Institution or EMI. - Background in AML/CFT operational frameworks within an Irish or broader EU-regulated entity. - Experience scaling operations across multiple markets simultaneously. ## Why Join LemFi? Love shouldn’t be expensive, yet those working hardest for their families often face predatory fees and banking exclusion. We're changing this. At LemFi, you won’t be just a cog in a machine. Whether designing products, scaling operations, or telling our story, you’ll tackle complex challenges with real, immediate impact. Your work goes beyond metrics - it puts money back in families’ pockets and offers access to the previously excluded. Join us to make a meaningful difference, where high performance is a lifeline for millions. You can connect with us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/lemfi/) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/uselemfi/) and if you haven't already, download the app on the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/lemfi/id1533066809) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en&id=com.lemonadeFinance.android).