We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Business Development Manager to join our team at a digital money lending institution. As a Business Development Manager, you will play a critical role in driving the growth and success of our organisation by identifying and establishing strategic partnerships, expanding our customer base, and exploring new market opportunities. You will be responsible for fostering key relationships, negotiating deals, and implementing business development strategies in line with our mission and objectives.

Responsibilities:

1. Develop and execute business development strategies: Create and implement comprehensive business development plans to drive growth and expand our reach in the market. Identify new markets, product offerings, and revenue streams to achieve business targets.
2. Identify and establish strategic partnerships: Identify and build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, employers and retailers. Collaborate with partners to leverage synergies and create mutually beneficial opportunities.
3. Expand customer base: Develop and execute customer acquisition strategies to expand our customer base. Identify target customer segments, design marketing campaigns, and utilise digital channels to attract and convert prospects into borrowers.
4. Conduct market research and analysis: Stay abreast of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape. Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging opportunities, assess customer needs, and recommend product enhancements or new product offerings.
5. Negotiate and close deals: Lead negotiations and finalise agreements with potential partners, vendors, and customers. Collaborate with risk and compliance teams to ensure all contracts and agreements comply with regulatory requirements and mitigate risks.
6. Relationship management: Build and nurture relationships with existing and potential partners, customers, and industry stakeholders. Act as a trusted advisor, understanding their needs, providing guidance, and proactively addressing any concerns or issues.
7. Monitor performance and report: Track and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of business development strategies. Generate reports and present findings to senior management, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
8. Stay updated with industry regulations: Stay informed about the regulatory landscape governing microfinance lending, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines. Proactively monitor regulatory changes and adapt business strategies accordingly.

Requirements:
1. Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, finance, economics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in business development, partnership management, or sales roles within the financial services industry. Experience in banking or microfinance is highly desirable.
2. Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the microfinance industry, digital lending platforms, financial products, and emerging trends in the financial technology (FinTech) space.
3. Strategic mindset: Ability to think strategically, identify opportunities, and develop innovative business solutions. Proven track record of successfully implementing business development strategies to achieve growth objectives.
4. Relationship building and networking skills: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Strong networking abilities to engage with industry professionals, potential partners, and customers.
5. Negotiation and deal closing skills: Demonstrated proficiency in negotiating and closing deals. Strong commercial acumen and ability to drive mutually beneficial agreements.
6. Analytical and problem-solving skills: Strong analytical skills to assess market trends, conduct financial analysis, and make data-driven decisions. Ability to identify and solve complex problems.
7. Excellent communication and presentation skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and ideas to diverse audiences.
8. Result-oriented and self-motivated: Proactive and goal-driven mindset, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to meet deadlines and achieve targets in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Join our team and be part of a transformative organisation that aims to empower underserved communities through digital microfinance. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions of individuals by providing access to financial services and opportunities for economic growth. If you are passionate about leveraging technology to promote financial inclusion, working with innovative digital lending solutions, and being responsible for business development, we would love to hear from you!