Solance is the new tier in finance. We're a bold new player, specialised in helping clients with complex corporate structures access the kind of financial services they've always struggled to get. Think Credit Suisse's service DNA spliced with Revolut's tech genius; Solance is that hybrid, engineered for the best client experience you've ever had.
Our EMI license is in progress and we're gearing up for launch in early 2026. That means we're building Solance from scratch: processes, culture, products, and a brand that sets a whole new standard. If you're ambitious, hungry, and ready to step into a COO role where you'll leave corporate bureaucracy far behind, this might be your moment.
The Role
We're looking for our first Chief Operating Officer: someone who thrives in the chaos of a startup, rolls up their sleeves without hesitation, and isn\'t above doing the milk run when the fridge is empty. You\'ll be the operational engine of Solance, keeping everything moving from payments and vendor management to DORA readiness, regulatory reporting, compliance support, and making sure the team has what it needs to fire on all cylinders.
This is not a "corner office" job. It\'s anadventure. You\'ll be hands-on in the trenches, setting up the scaffolding of a financial services company while solving daily challenges as they come. The perfect fit is someone who has recently stepped into COO-level responsibility, is hungry to prove themselves, and is excited to build something big from the ground up.
Responsibilities
* Operational Leadership- Build and oversee day-to-day operations across payments, TM, Fraud prevention / detection, 1st line of defence management, safeguarding management, onboarding, vendor management, and internal processes.
* DORA Accountability- Take responsibility for ensuring Solance remains aligned with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). Help us navigate the full process and embed resilience into every operational layer.
* Startup Builder- Design and improve workflows, playbooks, and tools, while also jumping in to fix problems directly. Setup and evolution of operational tooling for all aspects of the operations group including Internal workflows, reporting, customer support and outsourcing partner management.
* Hands-on Mindset- Whether it\'s troubleshooting a payment flow, onboarding a vendor, supporting compliance, or literally restocking the fridge, nothing is "beneath" you.
* Vendor & Partner Management- Work with our banking, payments, and tech partners to make sure everything runs smoothly and cost-effectively.
* Regulatory and Operational Readiness - Partner closely with Risk & Compliance to stay aligned with AML/CTF obligations, regulatory & legal reporting, outsourcing rules, Incident management and all other EMI operational requirements.
* Operations governance across Regulatory, Legal, Audit and Financial requirements
* Culture Carrier- Help shape Solance ‘s startup DNA: no politics, no red tape, just smart people moving fast.
Requirements
* Experience: 6-10 years in payments, operations, or fintech leadership, ideally at an EMI, bank, or high-growth startup.
* PCF-42 Readiness:You don\'t need to be pre-approved yet, but you\'re at a stage in your career where the Central Bank of Ireland would sign off on your PCF application without hesitation.
* Practical experience in implementing and managing effective financial crime controls within payments or e-money operations, working closely with other PCFs to address AML/CFT, fraud, and sanctions risks.
* Previous experience in dealing with major financial crime incidents and engaging with regulators or auditors on remedial actions will be considered a strong advantage.
* DORA: Strong understanding of DORA requirements, with proven ability to align an organisation to regulatory expectations.
* Network: Well-connected in the payments and banking ecosystem; able to leverage industry contacts to move fast and bring best practices.
* Mindset: Startup-driven, energetic, and allergic to corporate bureaucracy.
* Problem Solver: Thrives under pressure, adapts quickly, and finds solutions fast.
* Attitude: Approachable, positive, and ready to muck in wherever needed.
* Stage of Career: You\'ve reached COO level recently and are hungry for the chance to shape a company from the ground up.
* Resident in Republic of Ireland
Benefits
* Equity stake- real skin in the game as we build Solance together.
* Impact- decisions you make will shape the company from day one.
* Adventure- this isn\'t a safe corporate job; it\'s a rollercoaster, and you\'ll be in the front seat.
* Growth- a chance to accelerate your career as COO of a newly launched EMI.
* Culture- a tight, ambitious, and supportive team that values energy, humour, and hustle.
* Hybrid based role from our Pearse Street office- we believe the magic happens when we\'re in the same room, moving fast together.
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