Acquiring Manager at Sidian Bank

JOB PURPOSE

The Acquiring Manager will be responsible for managing and driving the bank’s merchant acquiring business. This involves identifying and onboarding merchants, maintaining relationships, enhancing the payment ecosystem, and ensuring seamless card payment acceptance at merchant points. 

The role includes managing merchant processing operations, monitoring compliance, and expanding the bank’s market share in card acceptance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

• Responsible for end-to-end merchant lifecycle – planning, execution and delivery of relevant digital solutions to merchants including Web and POS, to improve customer experience and grow revenue.
• Ensure pricing and contracts with Merchants are in line with Bank Policy.
• Work with business and product managers to deliver the best digital collection solutions for clients.
• Build value-based relationships with colleagues in and clients.
• Ensure merchant distribution is optimized leveraging continuous customer analysis/engagement.
• Identify & execute commercial/market initiatives for incremental volume/revenue/profit.
• Ensure developments of products to enhance proposition, to achieve new businesses and develop long term profitable relationships.
• Actively pursue opportunities to improve our route to Market, leveraging best practices.

CUSTOMER MANAGEMENT

• Engage customers and propose digital solutions that will improve their businesses.
• Ensure application of merchant programs are designed to enhance Sidian Bank’s brand equity.
• Drive horizontal expansion through outlet creation incentive programs.
• Ensure high customer satisfaction as measured and monitored through client engagement and surveys.

LEADERSHIP AND PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Actively partner with business and product heads to grow acceptance points.
• Provide timely and accurate information on merchant management activities.
• Embed digital collections in affiliate culture through regular engagements with all staff.
• Participate in group activities as required.

RISK, PROCESS CONTROL and OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

• Promote ethical and integrity standards, and establish a culture within Sidian Bank’s merchant network that establishes and demonstrates to all merchants the importance of controls.
• Manage all aspects of risks associated with the Acquiring business and supporting functions (AML, KYC , Credit Risks, Audits, Regulatory and Card Schemes Compliance).
• Ensure there is a strong internal control system in place to minimize operational losses, franchise risks and monitor its adequacy and effectiveness.
• Manage and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and 3rd relationships involved in Acquiring business.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

• Strategically prioritize merchant segments to achieve commercial viability of the Acquiring business.
• Lead strategic initiatives which position Sidian Bank as the partner of choice for business payment needs banking services from a customer experience perspective
• Implement a loyalty program for merchants and customers to increase growth in product sales

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY

• Perform quality work within deadlines, right first time with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customer and partners.
• Drive new product development together with the relevant departments to completion.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity of communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organization.
• Oversee prospect qualification, customer calls/negotiation, solution presentations and solution-based proposals and implementation to ensure quality onboards for all merchants.
• Formulate and ensure to update policies and procedures governing payments as and when changes occur.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

• Bachelor’s degree in business or Information technology related degree with at least 3 Years’ experience in the banking or payments industry, with a focus on merchant acquiring.
• An MBA is an added advantage.
• Proven knowledge in all cash management/Transaction Banking business.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Candidate should have 3-5 years of product development/ management, excellent interpersonal skills, strong execution and technical skills.
• Experience with card schemes, POS management and eCommerce payment gateway services.
• Relevant experience with at least four years in a cash management/Transaction Banking business environment.
• Good understanding of Operations and technology processes related to API integration
• Strong client focus with ability to understand client needs and stay abreast of client, industry and market trends.
• Exceptional relationship management skills including ability to manage and influence multiple stakeholders
• Good interpersonal skills to drive teamwork and work effectively in cross-cultural, cross-geographical teams to drive value for our clients and the bank
• Demonstrate responsiveness and ability to work with urgency
• Customer focused & results oriented
• Good project management including understanding and planning for operational risk
• Knowledge of banking operations, operational risk management and service delivery
• Distribution Management and or Channel Management experience is an advantage
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• General knowledge of digital payments services
• Language skills in official language of the Affiliate

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Excellent knowledge of operational and systems user requirements for merchant payments.
• Exceptional analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and partners.
• Results-oriented and proactive approach to driving business growth.
• Highly proficient technical writing capabilities