Operations Director

Clear Junction is a global payments company, licensed and regulated by the FCA in the UK, that offers regulated end-to-end payment solutions based on proprietary in-house technology. The company's infrastructure is designed to meet the growing needs of global financial companies.

Founded in 2016, the business has seen double-digit growth year on year, with over 140 fintech professionals now based across the UK and mainland Europe. Clear Junction is named as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in The Sunday Times 100 List, as well as one of Europe's fastest growing companies by the Financial Times.

We are now seeking a Director of Operations to lead our operations function in Riga and across the Group. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring operational excellence, resilience, and alignment across multiple entities, supporting the company's growth and strategic goals.

Based in Riga, Latvia 

Requirements

• Lead and manage the Group Operations Department, setting its strategic objectives and ensuring the successful execution of all its responsibilities.
• Develop and implement department-related policies, key procedures, and service-level agreements (SLAs) to ensure consistency and operational excellence.
• Ensure effective operational contribution to client onboarding, integration, and relationship discontinuation processes.
• Oversee smooth and uninterrupted delivery of client services in line with contracts and SLAs. Manage operational monitoring, incident logging, investigation, and reporting.
• Oversee operational client communications and support activities, ensuring a high standard of service and timely resolution of escalated issues.
• Manage collaboration with, and oversee the monitoring of, operational vendors to ensure timely, quality service delivery.
• Take ownership of the company's Business Continuity Planning, Operational Resilience (including DORA), and Wind-Down Planning frameworks.
• Ensure the Operations Department effectively acts as the first line of defence against financial crime (AML/CTF and sanctions), including oversight of transaction monitoring and periodic client review teams.
• Oversee the non-fraud payment investigations function to ensure efficient case handling and reporting.
• Contribute to the product development lifecycle, particularly during preparation and launch of new products.
• Manage the entire employee lifecycle within the department, including hiring, mentoring, training, performance assessments, and setting KPIs, in collaboration with HR.
• Provide functional oversight and support to counterpart operations teams across the Group's licensed entities, ensuring policy alignment and collaboration.
• Oversee internal projects aimed at improving and automating operations-related processes, primarily within CRM systems.
• Lead the department's planning, budgeting, and reporting cycles and contribute to group-wide initiatives.
• Act as the designated Consumer Duty Champion for the company, ensuring fair client outcomes are embedded into the company's culture and strategy.
• Report directly to the Group CEO.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience (5+ years) in operations leadership within financial services, payments, or fintech environments.
• Strong understanding of operational resilience, business continuity, regulatory compliance (including DORA), and client servicing frameworks.
• Deep knowledge of AML/CTF controls, sanctions compliance, and the first line of defence functions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage large-scale projects and operational processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across jurisdictions.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Previous experience managing budgets, planning cycles, and vendor relationships.
• Proficiency in CRM and operational workflow systems; familiarity with automation projects is a plus.
• Fluent in English; Latvian or Russian language skills would be an advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary (depending on experience)
• Company discretion performance bonus
• Career growth opportunities with our Learning & Development
• Private Medical Health Insurance
• Paid Holiday 
• Collaborative Team and Culture