Japan Payments Operations - Vice President

Location: Tokyo-To, Japan

Job Family: Payments Lifecycle

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are a leading global financial services firm with a proud history of innovation and client-focused solutions. The Japan Payments Operations - Vice President role is pivotal in our Tokyo office, where you will lead the payments operations team to deliver seamless, secure, and efficient payment services across the region. This position sits within the Payments Lifecycle category and reports to the Head of Asia-Pacific Operations, offering the opportunity to shape the future of payments in one of the world's most dynamic markets. As Vice President, you will drive strategic direction, ensuring our operations align with JP Morgan's commitment to excellence while navigating the complexities of Japan's financial landscape. Your primary focus will be on leading end-to-end payments processes, from transaction initiation to settlement, while championing innovation through technologies like APIs and real-time systems. You will ensure unwavering compliance with local regulations from the Financial Services Agency and international standards, mitigating risks in high-volume environments. Collaborating with global treasury and technology teams, you will implement initiatives that enhance client experiences and operational resilience, all while fostering a high-performance team culture in Tokyo. This role demands a blend of strategic vision and hands-on leadership to support JP Morgan Chase's growth in Asia. We seek a seasoned professional passionate about payments and financial services, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, regulated environment. Joining JP Morgan Chase means becoming part of a collaborative network that values diversity, inclusion, and professional growth. This Vice President position offers not only the chance to lead impactful operations but also to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in global payments, positioning you at the forefront of the industry's evolution in Japan.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Japan Payments Operations team, overseeing end-to-end payment lifecycle processes including processing, settlement, and reconciliation
• Drive strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve client satisfaction in line with JP Morgan Chase's global standards
• Ensure full compliance with Japanese regulatory requirements, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) protocols
• Collaborate with global teams to implement innovative payment solutions, such as real-time payments and digital wallet integrations
• Manage risk assessment and mitigation strategies for payments operations, identifying potential disruptions and developing contingency plans
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by leveraging data analytics to optimize workflows and performance metrics
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, regulators, and internal business units
• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and performance evaluations for the payments operations team in Tokyo
• Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to position JP Morgan Chase as a leader in Japan's payments ecosystem
• Report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to senior leadership, providing insights for strategic decision-making

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred
• 10+ years of experience in payments operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the financial services industry
• Deep knowledge of Japanese financial regulations, including those from the Financial Services Agency (FSA) and Bank of Japan
• Proven track record in managing cross-border payments and compliance in the Asia-Pacific region
• Strong understanding of payment systems such as SWIFT, SEPA equivalents in Japan, and real-time gross settlement systems like BOJ-NET
• Experience leading teams in high-volume transaction environments with a focus on risk management and operational efficiency
• Fluency in English and Japanese (business level), with excellent communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in payments or compliance, such as Certified Payments Professional (CPP) or equivalent
• Prior experience at a global financial institution like JP Morgan Chase, with exposure to treasury services
• Knowledge of emerging technologies in payments, including blockchain and API integrations
• Experience in strategic planning for payments innovation in the Japanese market
• MBA from a recognized institution with a focus on international finance

Required Skills

• Expertise in payments processing and settlement systems
• Strong regulatory compliance knowledge in financial services
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Strategic planning and execution
• Risk management and mitigation techniques
• Data analytics and performance metrics interpretation
• Cross-functional collaboration skills
• Innovation in fintech and payments technology
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
• Project management proficiency
• Stakeholder relationship building
• Financial modeling and budgeting
• Adaptability to regulatory changes
• Cultural sensitivity in a multicultural environment

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement and access to JP Morgan's internal training programs
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial wellness resources
• Flexible work arrangements and support for work-life balance
• Global mobility programs and relocation assistance for international roles

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.