Head, Domestic Switching & Terminal Operations at Unified Payment Services Limited

Job Objectives

• To lead and oversee the domestic switching and terminal operations of the company, ensuring seamless processing, routing, settlement, and reconciliation of all card, POS, and e-payment transactions across the fintech’s platforms.
• The role ensures system reliability, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and exceptional service delivery within the local switching and payment terminal ecosystem.
• The position plays a key role in maintaining high transaction success rates, minimal downtime, and full compliance with CBN, NIBSS, and card scheme standards, while driving innovation and process optimization across the value chain.

Responsibilties
Switching Operations Management:

• Oversee end-to-end domestic transaction switching, routing, and authorization across multiple channels (POS, Web, Mobile, ATM, QR).
• Ensure real-time monitoring, uptime management, and performance optimization of the switching platform.
• Coordinate with technology, infrastructure, and network partners to maintain robust transaction throughput and reduce latency.
• Manage integration and certification processes with banks, aggregators, and payment partners.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance transaction reliability and customer experience.

Terminal (POS) Operations Oversight:

• Supervise all aspects of POS and terminal lifecycle management — deployment, activation, monitoring, firmware updates, and maintenance.
• Implement terminal performance metrics to track uptime, transaction success rates, and field efficiency.
• Ensure effective coordination between terminal vendors, acquirers, and PTSA partners for smooth operations.
• Drive merchant satisfaction through reliable terminal performance and quick resolution of technical or transactional issues.

Settlement, Reconciliation & Dispute Resolution:

• Oversee daily settlement and reconciliation of all POS and card transactions with partner banks and processors.
• Ensure accurate postings, error-free reconciliations, and prompt resolution of settlement discrepancies.
• Supervise chargeback and dispute management in line with card scheme and regulatory timelines.
• Work closely with Finance, Risk, and IT to ensure transparency and control over transaction settlements.

Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Adherence:

• Ensure strict compliance with CBN PTSP/PTSA regulations, NIBSS standards, and other applicable industry requirements.
• Maintain robust operational controls to mitigate fraud, data breaches, and transaction risks.
• Address audit queries, coordinate compliance reviews, and ensure implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation for CBN and NIBSS audits.

Technology & Process Innovation:

• Collaborate with the Engineering/IT team to enhance the switching architecture, APIs, and transaction monitoring tools.
• Champion process automation, system monitoring dashboards, and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Participate in UAT, system releases, and new product deployments to ensure operational readiness.
• Drive innovation that supports scalability, redundancy, and service resilience in switching infrastructure.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead and mentor the Switching and Terminal Operations team, ensuring clarity of roles, performance accountability, and professional growth.
• Foster a culture of agility, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee workforce planning, training, and capacity development within the operations team.

Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Provide daily/weekly/monthly reports on transaction volumes, switch performance, settlement status, and dispute trends.
• Engage with key stakeholders — partner banks, NIBSS, card schemes (Verve, Visa, Mastercard), and merchants — to ensure seamless collaboration.
• Serve as the primary operational escalation point for switching and terminal issues.

Key Performance Indicators

• Transaction uptime and switching success rate.
• Accuracy and timeliness of settlements and reconciliations.
• Downtime frequency and recovery turnaround time (TTR).
• Reduction in failed transactions, chargebacks, and exceptions.
• Compliance audit scores and incident reduction.
• Merchant and partner satisfaction ratings

Job Requirements
Education:

• First Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Finance, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).

Others:

• Proven knowledge of payment system infrastructure, ISO 8583 standards, card scheme operations, and NIBSS interfaces.
• Experience managing POS networks, switching engines, and API integrations.
• Strong understanding of CBN and NIBSS regulations, settlement cycles, and transaction routing processes.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in payment operations, switching, or electronic banking, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within a fintech or PSP environment.