Managing Director

We are hiring an experienced and strategic Managing Director to lead a licensed Payment Institution based in France. This entity is part of a larger international financial services group with deep roots in Africa and a growing presence in Europe. The organisation specialises in cross-border payments and remittances, aiming to simplify and accelerate financial flows between continents.

The Managing Director will play a pivotal role in scaling operations, driving revenue, ensuring regulatory compliance, and expanding into new markets. This is a unique opportunity to shape a high-impact payments business at the intersection of technology, innovation, and financial inclusion. This role requires a highly motivated and experienced individual with a proven track record in the payments industry, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the regulatory environment. The successful candidate will be based in Paris and will be responsible for establishing the operational foundation of the business.

Your daily adventures include:

Business & Financial Performance

• Define and execute growth strategies to increase revenue, market share, and profitability.
  
• Forge partnerships with financial institutions, fintechs, and corporate clients.
  
• Lead sales and marketing efforts to elevate brand presence and product positioning.
  
• Oversee financial planning, forecasting, and reporting to key stakeholders.
  
• Monitor competitive trends and seize emerging opportunities in fintech and payments.

Customer Excellence

• Build a customer-centric experience for retail and institutional clients.
  
• Enhance service delivery by integrating agile, user-friendly payment solutions.
  
• Tailor offerings to meet specific market needs across different geographies.
  
• Foster a feedback-driven culture that continuously improves service quality.
  

Leadership & People Management

• Establish and lead a high-performing, diverse team across functions and regions.
  
• Align business goals with group-level strategies and cultural values.
  
• Promote professional development and inclusive team dynamics.
  

Operational Excellence & Risk Management

• Set up robust operational infrastructure covering compliance, risk, and customer support.
  
• Ensure adherence to all ACPR, EU, and other applicable payment regulations.
  
• Implement risk frameworks to safeguard financial, operational, and reputational interests.
  
• Drive governance, data integrity, fraud prevention, and cybersecurity measures.
  
• Leverage technology to optimise scalability and performance.

Strategic Initiatives & Growth

• Expand into new markets and develop innovative cross-border payment solutions.
  
• Represent the institution at key industry events and conferences.
  
• Lead digital transformation and ESG-aligned business practices.

Requirements

What it takes to succeed:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field.
  
• MBA or equivalent postgraduate degree is preferred.
  
• Fluent in English and French.
  
• 10+ years in the payments or fintech sector with strong commercial and leadership experience.
  
• Proven expertise in remittances, digital payments, and compliance with EU regulations.
  
• Strong track record in building cross-border partnerships and scaling businesses.
  
• Commercial acumen and strategic vision.
  
• Deep understanding of cross-border payments and digital financial services.
  
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  
• Entrepreneurial drive and a passion for innovation.
  
• High ethical standards and cultural agility.