Risk Operations Specialist, Strategic Operations (m/f/d)

Risk Operations Specialist, Strategic Operations

Pliant is a European fintech specializing in B2B payment solutions. Our modular, API-first platform helps businesses streamline spending, improve cash flow, and integrate payments into their financial workflows. Designed for industries with complex payment needs, such as travel and fleet, Pliant enables greater efficiency, control, and profitability.

We serve two primary customer segments:

• Companies looking to optimize operational processes through intuitive apps and APIs, gaining control, automation, and financial flexibility through extended credit lines.
• Businesses such as financial software platforms, ERP providers, and banks that want to launch or enhance their credit card offerings using Pliant's embedded finance and white-label solutions.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Berlin, Pliant supports over 4,000 businesses and more than 20 partners globally. As a licensed e-money institution (EMI), we issue Visa-powered credit cards in 11 currencies across more than 30 countries, helping companies streamline and simplify payments.

As a Risk Operations Specialist, Strategic Operations you take ownership of onboarding and risk assessment for our corporate clients while helping shape how risk operations scale at Pliant.

You are responsible for ensuring that KYB, KYC, and AML reviews meet regulatory standards and internal quality expectations and are handled with sound judgment and consistency. At the same time, you actively improve how work gets done by leveraging data, automation, and AI-supported tools.

You operate at the intersection of risk, operations, and technology. You identify inefficiencies, challenge manual processes, and work closely with Product, Tech, and Risk teams to build scalable, data-driven solutions that improve speed, accuracy, and control across the first line of defense.

What You'll Do

• Use data, reporting, and AI-supported tools to improve risk assessments, decision-making, and operational performance.
• Drive automation and process improvements across risk operations by identifying inefficiencies and reducing manual work.
• Collaborate closely with Product and Tech teams to design and implement scalable workflows, systems, and integrations.
• Own onboarding and risk assessments for SME and corporate clients, ensuring sound, risk-based decisions and high-quality execution.
• Monitor existing customers, identify relevant risk signals, and ensure they are properly assessed and reflected in internal systems.
• Ensure consistent, audit-ready documentation and uphold strong quality standards, including the four-eyes principle.
• Improve data quality and contribute to building better insights, reporting, and controls across first-line risk processes.

What You'll Bring

• At least 3+ years of experience in a first-line risk, compliance, or operations role working with SME or corporate clients within a bank, fintech, or other regulated financial institution.
• Strong hands-on experience with KYB/KYC onboarding and customer risk assessments, including the ability to independently handle complex corporate structures.
• Solid understanding of AML/CTF requirements and their practical application in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience driving process improvements, automation initiatives, or system enhancements in an operational environment.
• Hands-on experience with data, analytics, or automation tools (e.g. SQL, Python, BI tools, workflow tools, or AI-supported solutions).
• Strong analytical and structured thinking, with the ability to translate regulatory and operational requirements into scalable processes.
• A proactive, ownership-driven working style and confidence collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders across Risk, Compliance, Product, and Tech.
• A degree in law, finance, economics, or a related field, or a relevant professional certification such as CAMS, is a plus.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work in a growing team with big responsibilities that thrives on a strong exchange of knowledge and excellence
• Attractive remuneration
• Flat hierarchy and transparent communication in a relaxed, professional atmosphere
• Opportunity to develop your talent in a dynamic team with ambitious goals
• Flexibility and possibility to work remotely
• Monthly mobility benefit
• Wellhub Membership
• Pliant Card with monthly credit to explore the product and enjoy food with colleagues

At Pliant, we believe diversity and inclusion are essential to building not only an innovative product but also an exceptional experience for both our customers and our team. This commitment begins with our hiring process—we welcome individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. If you require accommodations or accessibility support during the interview process, please let us know in your application so we can ensure a seamless experience.