Head of SEA Expansion

Head of SEA Expansion • Airwallex Join to apply for the Head of SEA Expansion role at Airwallex.

About Airwallex

Airwallex is the only unified payments and financial platform for global businesses. Powered by our unique combination of proprietary infrastructure and software, we empower over 150,000 businesses worldwide – including Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more – with fully integrated solutions to manage everything from business accounts, payments, spend management and treasury, to embedded finance at a global scale. Proudly founded in Melbourne, we have a team of over 1,800 of the brightest and most innovative people in tech across 26 offices around the globe. Valued at US$6.2 billion and backed by world‑leading investors including Visa, Airtree, Blackbird, Sequoia, DST Global, Greenoaks, Salesforce Ventures, Lone Pine, and Square Peg, Airwallex is leading the charge in building the global payments and financial platform of the future.

Attributes We Value

We hire successful builders with founder‑like energy who want real impact, accelerated learning, and true ownership. You bring strong role‑related expertise and sharp thinking, and you’re motivated by our mission and operating principles. You move fast with good judgment, dig deep with curiosity, and make decisions from first principles, balancing speed and rigor. You’re humble and collaborative; turn zero‑to‑one ideas into real products, and you “get stuff done” end‑to‑end. You use AI to work smarter and solve problems faster.

About The Team

The SME & Growth Business team at Airwallex is a passionate group of collaborators and business champions dedicated to empowering small and medium‑size enterprises (SMEs) to thrive in the global economy. We combine deep financial expertise with a growth mindset, working closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and develop tailored solutions that streamline cross‑border payments and unlock new revenue streams.

What You’ll Do

As the Head of SEA Expansion, you will drive Airwallex’s growth across new SEA markets, with a focus on the SME sector. You will develop and execute market entry strategies, build and lead high‑performing in‑market sales teams, and establish Airwallex as the partner of choice for SMEs in the region.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute market entry and growth strategies for Airwallex’s new SEA markets, focusing on SME customers.

Build, hire, and lead in‑market sales teams, fostering a high‑performance, collaborative, and customer‑centric culture.

Identify, establish, and manage strategic partnerships with local banks, fintechs, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.

Drive new market revenue and ensure achievement of ambitious growth targets.

Collaborate with product, marketing, and operations teams to localize solutions and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Ensure compliance with all local regulations and licensing requirements.

Manage the P&L for the SEA new markets, balancing revenue growth with operational efficiency.

Represent Airwallex at industry events and build our brand presence across Southeast Asia.

Who You Are We’re looking for people who meet the minimum requirements for this role. The preferred qualifications are great to have, but are not mandatory.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

Proven experience in leading market expansion and building large teams in Southeast Asia, ideally within fintech, payments, or high‑growth technology companies.

Management consulting background or experience in strategy roles is highly valued.

Deep understanding of the SME sector and the unique financial needs of businesses in the region.

Demonstrated ability to operate in fast‑paced, ambiguous, and high‑growth environments.

Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Analytical thinker with a track record of delivering commercial outcomes and driving operational excellence.

Fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

MBA or advanced degree.

Experience in payments, financial technology, or B2B SaaS.

Existing network with key decision‑makers in the SEA fintech ecosystem.

Experience launching new products or business lines in emerging markets.

Strong data‑driven decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.

Ability to inspire, coach, and develop high‑performing teams across multiple countries.

Applicant Safety Policy: Fraud and Third‑Party Recruiters

To protect you from recruitment scams, Airwallex will not ask for bank details, sensitive ID numbers (i.e. passport), or any form of payment during the application or interview process. All official communication will come from an @airwallex.com email address. Please apply only through careers.airwallex.com or our official LinkedIn page. Airwallex does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms/recruiters. Airwallex will not pay any fees to search firms/recruiters unless an agreement has been entered into with respect to specific open position(s).

Equal opportunity

Airwallex is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Airwallex is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We don’t regard color, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status when making our hiring decisions. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

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