Head of Merchant Expertise

Job Title: Head of Merchant Expertise Integrity Risk CoE

Worldline Risk Management and Operation (RMO)

Unit: Integrity Risk

ThisisWorldline

We are the innovators at the heart of the payments technology industry shaping how the world pays and gets paid. The solutions our people build today power the growth of millions of businesses tomorrow. From your local coffee shop to unicorns and international banks. From San Francisco to Auckland. We are in every corner of the world in every part of commerce. And just as we help our customers accelerate their business we are committed to helping our people accelerate their careers. Together we shape the evolution.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic a Head of Merchant Expertise Integrity Riskwithin the Integrity Risk Unit to design implement and continuously improve Worldlines integrity risk controls across scheme AML and KYC domains. Ensure we do not do business with unlawful or fraudulent merchants protect Worldlines reputation and uphold regulatory and internal standards. Provide expert guidance to Risk Ops Sales and Management; deliver scalable governance controls and assurance across the team.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

1. Strategy & Governance

• • Define the Merchant Expertise Team vision strategy and operating model aligned to the broader Integrity Risk framework.
  • Develop and maintain a cohesive risk taxonomy risk appetite considerations and prioritization for merchant-related integrity risks.
  • Establish escalation paths and reporting cadence to senior leadership and regulators as required.

1. Team Leadership & Development

• • Lead coach and develop your team ensuring high performance engagement and succession planning.
  • Set objectives performance metrics and development plans; conduct regular performance reviews.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration knowledge sharing and continuous improvement across the team.

1. Operational Excellence & Controls

• • Oversee integrity risk processes related to merchants (scheme compliance AML KYC) and related risk modelling rules.
  • Develop and rollout risk-based controls monitoring programs and assurance activities (audits testing QA).
  • Ensure robust issue management root-cause analyses remediation plans and closing of control gaps.

1. Regulatory & Policy Alignment

• • Monitor regulatory developments and industry standards; translate requirements into practical policies procedures and controls for merchant risk.
  • Collaborate with Legal Compliance Audit and Business units to ensure compliant processes and timely regulatory filings or audits.

1. Risk Assessment & Reporting

• • Lead the design and execution of merchant-focused integrity risk assessments scenario planning and high-risk merchant segments.
  • Provide timely accurate and actionable risk reporting to senior management and as needed the board.

1. Stakeholder Engagement

• • Partner with Sales Risk Ops Internal Audit and external partners to align on risk priorities and remediation strategies.
  • Act as subject matter expert for merchant integrity risk; support investigations remediation efforts and training.

1. Data Analytics & Technology

• • Leverage data analytics to monitor indicators detect anomalies and measure control effectiveness.
  • Oversee technology solutions (workflow case management automation) to scale merchant risk management capabilities.

8. Key performance indicators (KPIs)

• • Merchant integrity risk incident response time and closure rate
  • Effectiveness of merchant-related controls (coverage testing results)
  • Timeliness and quality of risk reporting to leadership and regulators
  • Training completion rates and staff competency improvements
  • Team engagement retention and succession readiness
  • Regulatory findings and audit remediation effectiveness
  • Operational efficiency and budget adherence for the Merchant Expertise function

• Bachelors degree in Business Finance Compliance or related field. Masters degree or professional certifications (e.g. CAMS CRCM CFE) preferred.
• 812 years in integrity risk AML KYC or scheme risk within payments; proven leadership experience managing cross-location teams.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams in a matrix/global environment.
• Regulatory & stakeholder management: Experience with AML/sanctions frameworks; strong ability to interact with regulators auditors and senior executives.
• Analytical & strategic: Strong analytical problem-solving and strategic/tactical thinking; data-driven decision making.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present complex risk concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration: Effective cross-functional collaboration across Risk Ops Sales Legal Compliance and IT.
• Tools: Familiarity with risk management platforms case management systems data analytics tools and MS Office. AML/KYC tech stack knowledge a plus.
• Personal: Adaptable in a fast-paced global environment; culturally aware and capable of managing priorities across time zones.