Job Description
Head of Merchant Expertise
J ob Title: Head of Merchant Expertise – Integrity Risk CoE
Worldline Risk Management and Operation (RMO)
Unit: Integrity Risk
This is Worldline
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 Risk
within the Integrity Risk Unit to design, implement, and continuously improve Worldline's integrity risk controls across scheme, AML, and KYC domains. Ensure we do not do business with unlawful or fraudulent merchants, protect Worldline's 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
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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
Who Are We Looking For
We look for big thinkers. People who can drive positive change, step up and show what's next – people with passion, can-do attitude and a hunger to learn and grow. In practice this means:
* Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Compliance, or related field. Master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., CAMS, CRCM, CFE) preferred.
* 8–12+ 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.
Perks & Benefits
At Worldline, you'll have the opportunity to work at the forefront of global payments technology and shape the future of financial transactions. On top of that, you will also:
* Be part of an international team that fosters innovation and career growth.
* Work on cutting-edge projects involving Artificial Intelligence, Cloud computing, and new technologies.
* Benefit from extensive training programs and professional development opportunities.
* Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a dynamic work environment.
* Receive competitive salary packages plus more.
* Access various global and regional benefits designed to support your health, well-being, and personal development.
Shape the
evolution
We are pushing towards the next frontiers of payments technology, and we look for big thinkers to join our journey. People with passion, can-do attitude and a hunger to learn and grow. Here you'll work with ambitious colleagues from around the world, take on unique challenges as a team, and make a real impact on the society. And with our empowering culture, strong technology and extensive training opportunities, we help you accelerate your career. Wherever you decide to go. Join our global team of over 18,000 innovators across 40+ countries, and shape a tomorrow that is yours to own.
Learn more about life at Worldline at
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, colour, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or any applicable legally protected characteristics.