Our client is a leading fintech solutions company that provides software solutions for Core Banking, Micro Finance, Switching and Electronic Payments, recognised as one of the most tech-savvy software groups globally, serving more than 200 finance organizations spanning across more than 30 countries across 4 continents.

Core Product

Their main product is an innovative digital payment platform that enables tourists to make seamless local payments using their international Visa and Mastercard cards through NFC-enabled mobile devices. The platform is designed to simplify payments across the tourism ecosystem, including hotels, tour operators, national parks, transport providers, restaurants, retail outlets, and local merchants.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly connected and commercially driven Business Development Manager to spearhead the growth and adoption of their core product (above) across Kenya and East Africa. The successful candidate will leverage their network within the tourism, hospitality, travel, fintech, banking, and government sectors to establish strategic partnerships, onboard merchants, and drive transaction growth.
The role requires a self-starter with a strong track record in business development, partnership management, merchant acquisition, and revenue generation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and execute a growth strategy to expand our product's  footprint across Kenya and East Africa.
• Build relationships with hotels, resorts, lodges, tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, transport providers, and tourism associations.
• Establish partnerships with government agencies, tourism boards, wildlife conservancies, and county governments.
• Collaborate with banks, payment service providers, card schemes, and fintech partners to enhance market penetration.

Merchant Acquisition

• Identify and onboard merchants within the tourism value chain.
• Drive adoption among informal and formal tourism service providers.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and partnership contracts.
• Ensure successful implementation and activation of acquired merchants.

Revenue Growth

• Achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue targets.
• Drive transaction volumes and customer acquisition.
• Identify new market opportunities and revenue streams.
• Develop pricing and go-to-market strategies.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the key point of contact for strategic partners.
• Conduct executive-level presentations and business reviews.
• Represent the company/product at industry forums, exhibitions, conferences, and networking events.

Market Intelligence

• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies.
• Provide insights and recommendations for product enhancements.
• Identify opportunities for expansion into new sectors and geographies.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Product, Marketing, Operations, and Technology teams.
• Support marketing campaigns and customer engagement initiatives.
• Provide market feedback to improve customer experience and product adoption.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of strategic partnerships secured.
• Number of merchants onboarded and activated.
• Monthly transaction volumes.
• Revenue generated.
• Customer acquisition numbers.
• Partner retention rates.
• Market expansion milestones.
  

Qualifications

• Education
• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Tourism, Finance, Commerce, or a related field.
• MBA will be an added advantage.

Experience

• 5–10 years of experience in Business Development, Sales, Partnerships, Fintech, Banking, Payments, Travel, Tourism, or Hospitality.
• Demonstrated experience managing enterprise accounts and strategic partnerships.
• Strong understanding of payment ecosystems and digital commerce.
  
  Preferred Industry Background
• Candidates with established networks in one or more of the following sectors will be highly preferred:
   - Tourism and Travel
   - Hospitality
   - Airlines
   - Fintech
   - Banking and Payments
   - Government and Public Sector
   - Merchant Acquiring
   - Telecommunications

Key Competencies

• Exceptional networking and relationship-building skills.
• Strong negotiation and influencing abilities.
• Commercial acumen and revenue-generation mindset.
• Strategic thinking and execution capability.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.