Head, Back Office Operations (Smartcash PSB) Job at Airtel Nigeria

Digital payment is the heartbeat of the Nigerian economy right now, and Smartcash PSB is right at the center of the action. Airtel Nigeria is looking for a heavyweight professional to take up the mantle as the Head of Back Office Operations for its fintech arm. This isn't just a role for someone who likes sitting behind a desk, we need a strategic leader who can manage millions of daily transactions while keeping operational risks at zero. If you have the technical muscle and the leadership grit to drive a massive banking operation in the telco space, this Lagos based role is your chance to lead one of the most influential divisions in the industry. It’s a high impact position where your decisions will shape the future of mobile money and agency banking across the country.

Job Summary

• Job Title: Head, Back Office Operations (Smartcash PSB)
• Company: Airtel Nigeria
• Location: Lagos State
• Employment Type: Full time
• Application Closing Date: 10 March, 2026.

About the Company

Airtel Nigeria is a leading telecommunications giant with its headquarters in the commercial heart of Lagos. With over 39.8 million subscribers, we are a powerhouse in the 2G, 3G, and 4G wireless space, mobile commerce, and enterprise services. Through our Payment Service Bank (Smartcash PSB), we are committed to driving financial inclusion and providing seamless digital payment solutions to millions of Nigerians. We value diversity and remain an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to excellence.

Role Overview

This leadership position oversees the entire engine room of Smartcash PSB operations. You will be responsible for transaction operations, finance and general banking activities, including settlements, treasury, and revenue assurance. The role demands a fine balance between high level strategic planning and hands on people management. You will partner with technology teams to sharpen system efficiency while leading a team of operations professionals, ensuring they are coached and ready for career progression within the Airtel Africa ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Banking Operations: Implement and streamline policies for banking operations, ensuring zero error transaction processing and meeting strict Turnaround Times (TAT).
• Strategic Oversight: Conduct due diligence and research into technological advances to improve work processes and contain costs.
• Treasury & GL Management: Maintain overall responsibility for treasury operations and ensure accurate General Ledger (GL) reporting and transaction posting controls.
• Partner & Vendor Management: Work closely with vendors to lead system implementations and ensure that contractual services meet price and quality standards.
• Risk & Compliance: Monitor risk management policies to minimize organizational loss and ensure departmental compliance with all audit initiatives.
• Customer Experience: Resolve agent-related operational issues and develop seamless experiences for distribution agents and customers alike.
• Information Technology: Evaluate and advise on the need for new technology to meet the organization’s financial data processing and reporting requirements.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Education: A First Degree in a related course is required; an MBA will be a significant added advantage.
• Experience: 10 - 15 years of relevant experience in Banking and Digital Payments Operations.
• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of mobile money products, reconciliation, settlements, and agency banking operations.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical thinking, negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• Methodology: Proficiency in Project Management, with a preference for Six Sigma certification.
• Compliance: Solid understanding of operational risk, revenue assurance, and business process automation.

Benefit of Applying

• Industry Leadership: Lead the operations of a top-tier PSB backed by one of Africa's largest telecommunications networks.
• Strategic Impact: Play a pivotal role in the financial inclusion journey of millions of Nigerians.
• Professional Development: Benefit from Airtel’s robust staff development programs and leadership coaching.
• Global Exposure: Work within the Airtel Africa framework, gaining insights into multinational digital payment trends.
• Diverse Environment: Thrive in a workplace that genuinely prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

How to Apply

If you have the experience and the drive, follow the link below to apply through the official Oracle recruitment portal.

Application Link: Apply via Airtel/Smartcash Career Portal

Note: Closing date is 10 March, 2026. Ensure your profile accurately reflects your years of experience in digital payments and agency banking. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Editorial: Insight for Fintech Leaders

In the world of Payment Service Banks (PSBs), the Back Office is where the battle is won or lost. Airtel is looking for a Systems Thinker someone who doesn't just manage transactions but understands the technical architecture behind them.

If you are applying, emphasize your experience with Revenue Assurance and Fraud Management. In a high volume environment like Smartcash, showing that you can save the company money by preventing leakages is a major selling point. Also, because this is a telco-bank hybrid, your ability to speak both the language of Banking Compliance and Mobile Tech will set you apart from traditional bankers. Position yourself as a leader who is as comfortable with a Six Sigma chart as you are with a Treasury report. Good luck!

Important Notice

This job update is posted by Thenationjob.com.ng to help you secure a top tier career. Please note that Airtel Nigeria, Smartcash PSB, and Thenationjob.com.ng will NEVER ask for money for job placements, verification fees, or system training.

A legitimate recruitment process for a leadership role like this is strictly based on your 10 - 15 years of hard earned experience. If anyone asks you to pay to fast-track your application, it is a scam. Stay vigilant and use only the official application link provided. Your competence is your only currency.