Operations Solutions Lead (DIR)

Operations Optimization and Enablement (OOE)

OOE is a newly formed team designed to drive change and implement Operations strategy.  Operations is helping to lead the Citi transformation agenda by rapidly scaling programs of work which will redefine core operations architecture and the processes they support. 

One key element of the OOE is Movement of Funds – This team plays a crucial role in managing and refining risk associated with movements of funds – covering outgoing, incoming, and internal transfers.  Focused on defining a clear payment risk appetite, consolidating and reporting payment risks as a unified entity, and harmonizing controls across the enterprise.  Approach includes developing a cohesive framework for risk management and reducing reliance on detective controls by implementing proactive measures.  By addressing these areas, the aim is to streamline processes, enhance financial stability, and ensure consistent, effective operations throughout the organization. .

The Role

To lead the implementation of strategic controls related to payments and payments risk.  Will manage the delivery of control program execution across operations, technology, risk and control, and all lines of defense as applicable.   To ensure the program parameters are fully defined and fit for purpose.  To ensure management and progress of the program is accurate, complete, on-time, and transparent to the constituent management teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Co-ordinate and articulate the execution strategy, vision and implementation approach for strategic payment control solutions.

• Partner with technology, inter and intra LoB teams, and lines of defense teams to synchronize execution, to expose dependencies, to evaluate execution risks, to escalate issues, to assess status, and to bring reporting transparencies to the broader organization.

• Drive best practice execution and promote standardization and consistency for the payment control solutions.

• Bring awareness, ideate improvements and solutions, and coordinate relationships to related programs as necessary.

• Ensure all process and technology implementation for the controls meets Operations’ outcomes:

• Safe - Well controlled environment – control framework which is complete, timely, accurate and manageable

• Efficient - Highly automated – emphasis on STP; no increase in manual work; exception-based processing. Simplified and consistent end-to-end process with clear roles and responsibilities across Operations and Finance

• Client-centered- Evolves towards same day / real-time operations and visibility (reporting) for Treasury, Operations and clients

• Functionally complete - Supports both product-level and legal-entity level views

• Extensible design to accommodate future change

Qualifications:

• 12-15 + years of experience:

• Leadership & Effective communication

• Strong Stakeholder Management to ensure cross collaborative buy in

• Proficiency in negotiation to resolve conflicts, reach consensus and manage expectations

• Problem solving to address challenges and obstacles that arise during implementation, identifying solutions and making informed decisions

• Experienced leader building and fostering a collaborative team environment, promoting teamwork, trust, and mutual respect

• Decision making - decisive & data driven to provide clear guidance and alignment

• Adaptability: Ability to navigate the team through ambiguity and embrace change

• High emotional intelligence to navigate the team through a complex matrix of stakeholders.        

Technical Skills:

• 12-15 + years of experience:

• Domain expertise across Operations, and Technology  functions

• Large, complex implementation and transformation program expertise

• Some proficiency in technology architecture, workflow, and tools to ensure efficient execution

• Change Management: Ability to plan, execute and monitor implementation.

• Payments Expertise – strong understanding of payment flows, types, and messaging

• Knowledge of Markets, SSO, TTS, and Lending products from transaction booking to payments

• Strong understanding of Citi Systems helpful

Education:

• Bachelor’s/University degree, Master’s degree preferred

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