Owning hiring across the business
As a Global Talent Acquisition Lead, one of the things I value most is the level of ownership that comes with the role. I’ve had the opportunity to lead hiring across multiple functions and regions – from legal and finance to marketing and tech – which isn’t something you often get as a recruiter. You’re typically pigeonholed into one area or region, so it’s rare to have the chance to spread your wings and work across the business in this way, which I personally love.
No two roles are the same, and often I’m working on some of the more complex or more challenging positions. That’s something I’ve come to really enjoy. You’re constantly stepping into new areas, working with different stakeholders and building your understanding of how the business operates. As we’ve evolved and matured as a business, a lot of our hiring has become tied to strategic priorities, whether that’s supporting a new product launch or building out a new domain. There’s often a clear link between the roles we hire for and the direction of the company which is exciting as you really feel like you’re on the front line making a difference.
What is it like to be one of the hiring leads at a global fintech? Shoaib shares why Zepz stood out from the start, how his role has evolved, and what it takes to succeed in a fast-moving, remote-first environment.
I joined Zepz in July 2023 after initially contracting with the team. When a permanent role came up, it was a no-brainer and I jumped at the opportunity. Beyond the people and culture, the mission resonated with me on a personal level. My mother is an immigrant from Pakistan, and I’ve seen first-hand how difficult it can be to send money internationally – the fees, the delays, the uncertainty. So I understood straight away the real impact Zepz has on families like mine.
Moving quickly and making it work
What stands out at Zepz is how quickly things move. There’s less red tape, and if you want to improve something or build a better way of working, you can do it in real-time. That pace comes with a level of responsibility – you don’t always have all the information, and you have to be comfortable figuring things out as you go. For me, that’s part of the appeal. You’re trusted to take ownership, make decisions and keep things moving. And if something doesn’t go to plan, the focus is on learning from it and improving, not getting stuck on it.
A culture that works in real life
Zepz’s flexible working arrangements have also made a huge difference to me. As a father of two autistic girls with complex needs, flexibility isn’t just a benefit – it’s essential. It means I’m able to be present for my family while still contributing fully at work, so I don’t feel like I have to choose between being a good dad or doing a good job.
The culture reflects that too. People are supportive, mature, driven and honest, and there’s a real sense that everyone is working towards the same goal while acknowledging that we’re all also humans. We’re encouraged to be open, to speak up, share ideas and take feedback on board, so you have a real sense of feeling understood and listened to.
Advice for future joiners
If you’re thinking about joining Zepz, take the time to understand the mission and the impact the business has and make sure it aligns with what you’re looking for.
And be ready to get involved: you’ll need to be adaptable, proactive and comfortable working across different time zones. But if you’re willing to take ownership, move quickly and learn as you go, it’s an incredibly rewarding place to build your career.
Curious about building your career at Zepz? Take a look at our open roles here!