Vice President of Operational Excellence
Company Description
UK Payments Initiative Ltd (UKPI) is an industry-owned and led company responsible for designing, operating, and governing a commercial scheme for Variable Recurring Payments (cVRP) in the UK. Its mission is to deliver a sustainable, trusted, and widely adopted account-to-account alternative to cards and direct debits, supporting innovation, competition, and consumer protection. UKPI develops and administers the commercial rulebook and standards for cVRP, manages the Multi-Lateral Agreement between participants, and provides scheme governance, oversight, and assurance. The organization delivers a roadmap aligned with the UK’s National Payments Vision, focusing initially on lower-risk use cases such as utilities, government payments, charities, and regulated financial services, with future waves expanding into wider ecommerce and the broader payments ecosystem. UKPI works closely with participants, regulators, and industry partners to create a commercially viable ecosystem that delivers value across the payments chain. Role Description The Vice President of Operational Excellence is a full-time remote role responsible for driving end-to-end operational performance across UKPI’s schemes and internal processes. This position oversees the design and implementation of operational frameworks, standards, and best practices to ensure reliability, scalability, and regulatory alignment of cVRP operations. The role involves leading continuous improvement initiatives, defining key performance indicators, and establishing governance mechanisms to monitor service quality, risk, and compliance. The Vice President will collaborate closely with product, technology, legal, and external stakeholders to optimize processes, streamline participant onboarding, and enhance operational resilience. The role includes building and mentoring cross-functional teams, managing strategic projects, and reporting operational performance and improvement outcomes to senior leadership and the Board.
Qualifications
Demonstrated expertise in Operational Excellence and Operations Management, with a track record of designing and implementing continuous improvement frameworks and governance structures. Experience in Manufacturing Operations and Manufacturing Operations Management, or analogous complex, highly regulated operational environments, with the ability to translate best practices into payments and financial services operations. Strong understanding of Supply Chain Management concepts, including end-to-end process mapping, risk management, and performance optimization across multiple stakeholders. Extensive leadership experience in large-scale operations or payments/financial services, including managing remote and cross-functional teams. Proficiency in data-driven decision-making, KPIs, and metrics, with experience using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies (relevant certifications are an advantage). Strong strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior executives, regulators, and industry partners. Experience in open banking, payments schemes, or financial infrastructure is highly beneficial. Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, operations management, or