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KrakenKraken

COO, Head of Operations

Leads daily operations, regulatory compliance, outsourcing, fraud oversight, risk management, technology governance, and customer operations for an Irish electronic money institution. Requires 15+ years of operational leadership experience, strong EMI/PSR expertise, and a bachelor’s degree.

About the job

Responsibilities

Operational Management

  • Oversee the daily operations of the EMI, ensuring processes run smoothly and efficiently.
  • Develop and implement operational strategies to support growth and scalability.
  • Identify process improvements and implement changes to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Oversee outsourcing to group service providers.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Ensure EMI operations comply with EMI/PSR requirements and relevant regulatory frameworks.
  • Establish and maintain robust internal controls for regulatory compliance and operational integrity.
  • Collaborate with the regional compliance officer on regulatory audits and reporting.

Risk Management

  • Identify, assess, and manage operational risks.
  • Develop risk-mitigation strategies and ensure business continuity.
  • Oversee crisis and incident management plans and procedures.

Outsourcing Oversight

  • Act as the nominated senior executive accountable for outsourcing in line with Central Bank of Ireland guidance.
  • Oversee monitoring and performance management of outsourced service providers against agreed service levels and risk indicators.
  • Ensure outsourcing arrangements comply with applicable Central Bank of Ireland and, where relevant, DORA ICT third-party risk-management requirements.
  • Serve as the primary contact for outsourcing-related regulatory queries.
  • Report outsourcing risk, concentration, and performance to the CEO, Board, and relevant committees.

Fraud Oversight

  • Hold overall responsibility for fraud prevention, detection, and case-management outcomes.
  • Oversee outsourced fraud operations and monitor performance against SLAs and KPIs.
  • Ensure fraud risk appetite, controls, and management information align with the Risk Appetite Statement and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Escalate material fraud incidents, trends, and control gaps to senior governance bodies.

Technology and Security

  • Oversee technology infrastructure to ensure it meets operational and regulatory requirements.
  • Work with technology leadership to protect data and systems.
  • Promote technological innovation that improves operations and user experience.

Customer Experience

  • Ensure excellent, secure customer service and support.
  • Establish mechanisms to gather and act on customer feedback.
  • Oversee effective complaint and dispute resolution.
  • Ensure operational compliance with the Consumer Protection Code 2025.

Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Support the General Manager, E-money and Payments Operations, in developing and implementing strategic initiatives.
  • Set operational goals aligned with EMI and company strategy.
  • Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed.
  • Collaborate with senior executives and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Executive Director Responsibilities

  • Propose strategies to the Board.
  • Execute agreed strategies to a high standard.
  • Maintain knowledge of the business’s material activities and risks.
  • Apply relevant skills and knowledge, including accounting, auditing, and risk management.

Requirements

  • Eligible to work in Ireland or willing to relocate to Ireland.
  • 15+ years of experience in operational leadership, preferably in financial services or the crypto-asset industry.
  • Strong understanding of EMI, PSRs, and wider European regulatory frameworks.
  • Strong leadership, strategic thinking, financial acumen, and communication skills.
  • High ethical standards and transparency.
  • Ability to analyze complex operational issues and develop effective solutions.
  • Flexibility in a changing regulatory and market environment.
  • Commitment to superior customer experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.

Nice-to-Haves

  • Relevant professional certifications in finance, compliance, or operations management.
  • Experience working in an EMI or PSR business.
  • Experience with global operating models and crypto exchanges.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the posting.

Skills

Emi Regulations, Payment Services Regulations, Dora, Operational Risk Management, Outsourcing Management, Fraud Management, Internal Controls, Business Continuity, Incident Management, Regulatory Compliance, Technology Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Customer Complaints, Consumer Protection Code, Risk Appetite Statements