Scheme Operations Lead, Japan

Google Chrome Microsoft Edge Apple Safari Mozilla Firefox Scheme Operations Lead, JapanFull-timeCompany DescriptionWise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money. Min fees. Max ease. Full speed.Whether people and businesses are sending money to another country, spending abroad, or making and receiving international payments, Wise is on a mission to make their lives easier and save them money.As part of our team, you will be helping us create an entirely new network for the world's money. For everyone, everywhere.More about our mission and what we offer.Job DescriptionAs a Scheme Operations Lead based in Tokyo, you will own and drive our direct scheme integration and daily operations primarily with the Zengin System (Japan’s nationwide online clearing network). The scope may expand into other APAC schemes in the future. Wise is among the pioneering non-bank fintechs to achieve direct access to this infrastructure. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary global team (Product, Engineering, Banking, Compliance, Risk and Servicing Operations across Japan, APAC, Estonia, and our London HQ) to deliver world-class payment performance while seamlessly meeting localized regulatory obligations.Key Responsibilities1. Scheme OperationsDaily Operations: Manage day-to-day communications from Zengin (advisories, circulars, etc.) and translate these into operational actions for internal stakeholders.Terminal & Booth Management: Oversee technical and User Testing (UT) work management for physical assetsMaintenance & System Drills: Coordinate and support engineering maintenance work required by both Zengin and Wise. This includes managing internal/external Zengin maintenance windows and mandatory system drills2. Incident Management & Resilience (On-Call Required)On-Call Framework: Operationalize and lead our on-call system, acting as the first point of contact to triage Zengin network incidents, and escalating to second level support where necessary. Incident Resolution & Reporting: Lead cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Compliance, Servicing) to resolve live incidents. Coordinate the subsequent technical write-ups and post-mortem process with the respective engineering teams, and lead regulatory communications when required. Business Continuity: Own the system/infrastructure Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and lead the Japan Annual Security Drill in close partnership with the Global Security team.3. High-Impact Strategic Implementations (2028 & 2030)8th Generation Zengin Migration: Lead the end-to-end operational implementation of the next-generation (8th) Zengin system in close collaboration with the engineering teams. Industry Influence: Represent Wise in exclusive Zengin Study Groups. As one of the selected participant firms, you will use our unique fintech perspective to influence Zengin in building a better, more modern infrastructure for Japan.4. Risk, Audit & ComplianceRisk Assessments: Drive comprehensive risk assessments in tandem with the Payment Operations, Risk, and Privacy teams.External Audit Ownership: End-to-end management of external audits, from handling initial contract negotiations to managing day-to-day audit conversations, data requests, to the final report.System Risk Governance: Act as the ultimate owner of System Risk Management and governance frameworks for Wise Payments Japan (WPJ).QualificationsFintech or Payments Experience: Proven background in payment operations, banking infrastructure, or scheme management is a non-negotiable requirement.  Analytical or Product Mindset: Strong problem-solving skills, with a preference for a product or analytical background over pure engineering.  Hands-on Incident Management: Experience coordinating cross-functional teams (engineering, product, operations) to resolve live network incidents and run business continuity drills.  Partner & Regulatory Relations: Comfortable acting as the main point...