About the jobThe Implementation Manager leads end-to-end delivery of payment solutions across card issuing, acquiring, and switching platforms. This is a senior technical role that bridges client needs with internal systems requiring hands-on expertise in payment flows, APIs, core platforms, and production operations, combined with strong stakeholder and delivery management skills.Key ResponsibilitiesImplementation & Solution DeliveryLead end-to-end delivery of payment solutions: card issuing/acquiring systems, switch integrations, and major enhancements — from requirements through production go-live.Translate business requirements into scalable technical designs across switching platforms and REST/SOAP API layers.Own the full delivery lifecycle: solution design, system configuration, UAT coordination, and deployment sign-off.Ensure correct handling of transaction flows (authorization, clearing, and settlement) in alignment with Visa, Mastercard, and other applicable scheme rules.Define and track project milestones, proactively escalating risks or blockers to stakeholders. Integration & API ManagementOversee integrations between internal systems and external partners using REST and SOAP APIs, middleware layers, and message brokers.Ensure correct ISO 8583 message parsing, field-level validation, message transformation, and routing logic.Lead troubleshooting of integration failures, ensuring data consistency and end-to-end transaction integrity.Manage API versioning, coordinate deployments across DEV/UAT/PROD environments, and enforce API governance standards. Core Platform & System ManagementConfigure and manage core payment platforms (e.g., SmartVista, Euronet, or equivalent) across all functional modules: Front End, Back Office, CMS, Fraud, and API Gateway.Ensure platform stability through proper configuration management, change control, and proactive monitoring.Lead release activities including deployment validation, pre/post-release testing, and rollback planning.Maintain system integrity across interconnected modules, ensuring changes in one area do not adversely impact others.Data Analysis & Database ManagementApply strong SQL skills on Oracle Database (or equivalent) to support production operations:Data validation and reconciliation across systemsRoot cause analysis for transaction or data discrepanciesQuery performance review (in coordination with DBAs where applicable)Handle large transaction datasets with care for accuracy, completeness, and auditability.Build and maintain data validation scripts and reconciliation reports to support operational teams.Application Deployment & Environment ManagementOversee deployment activities on application servers (Oracle WebLogic, JBoss, or equivalent), coordinating with DevOps and infrastructure teams.Manage EAR/WAR deployment cycles, environment configuration, and release coordination across the application stack.Ensure environment parity and proper governance between DEV, UAT, and PROD — preventing configuration drift and unauthorized changes.Define and enforce pre-deployment checklists, deployment runbooks, and post-deployment validation steps. Operations, Monitoring & Incident ManagementMonitor system health, transaction throughput, and availability using logs, dashboards, and monitoring tools.Analyze ISO message logs and system traces to proactively detect and resolve issues before they impact clients.Lead incident management end-to-end — triaging by severity, coordinating resolution, and driving post-incident reviews.Establish and maintain runbooks, escalation paths, and on-call procedures for production support coverage.Proactively identify systemic risks and drive preventive actions to minimize service disruptions.7. Client & Stakeholder ManagementServe as the primary point of contact for clients across delivery, change requests, incidents, and ongoing enhancements.Translate complex technical issues into clear, business-friendly communications — managing expectations with transparency.Conduct regular status reviews, steering meetings, and delivery updates with both technical and executive stakeholders.Drive high client satisfaction by ensuring commitments are met and issues are resolved with urgency and professionalism.Vendor & Third-Party CoordinationManage relationships with external vendors and technology partners (e.g., BPC Banking Technologies, Euronet Worldwide, scheme bodies).Hold vendors accountable to SLAs — escalating issues appropriately and ensuring timely resolution.Evaluate third-party solutions and integrations, providing technical assessment and integration oversight.Coordinate scheme certification activities and ensure compliance with network mandates and release cycles.Security & ComplianceEnsure all systems and implementations comply with PCI-DSS requirements and relevant scheme operating regulations (Visa, Mastercard).Oversee secure handling of cardholder data, including encryption standards, CVV/PIN processing controls, and key management practices.Maintain audit readiness and ensure documentation supports both internal and external compliance reviews.Embed security considerations into delivery processes — from design through production — rather than treating them as a post-delivery step.Continuous Improvement & OptimizationIdentify and drive improvements to system performance, delivery processes, and operational efficiency.Leverage production data, incident trends, and user feedback to surface actionable recommendations.Own KPI reporting across key metrics: SLA adherence, system availability, transaction success rate, and time-to-resolve.Conduct structured post-implementation reviews (PIRs) and translate learnings into process improvements.Documentation & Knowledge ManagementMaintain comprehensive documentation for system configurations, integration specifications, runbooks, and troubleshooting guides.Ensure knowledge transfer to operations teams prior to go-live, with formal operational readiness sign-off.Champion documentation culture across the team — ensuring tribal knowledge is captured and accessible.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.8–10 years of experience in payments, banking technology, or financial systems.Strong experience with payment systems (issuing, acquiring, switching).Hands-on experience with APIs, system integration, and production environments.Solid SQL knowledge (Oracle or similar databases).