General Manager- Enterprise Clubs & Strategic Growth Network at Equity Bank Kenya

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Associate Director (Pillar Lead), Enterprise Development & Financial Inclusion (ED&FI), the General Manager Enterprise Clubs & Strategic Growth Networks will be responsible for the design, establishment, growth, scaling and This role will lead the development of a relationship-driven growth platform for mature MSMEs and SMEs that have demonstrated resilience, further growth potential, and increasing sophistication in their business operations. The role holder will position the Enterprise Clubs as premier business growth and leadership networks that deepen enterprise resilience, catalyze business expansion, strengthen value-chain ecosystems, and drive sustainable job creation. Through executive learning, peer networking, strategic partnerships, mentorship ecosystems, market access facilitation, investment readiness, and integrated financial solutions, the role will anchor a scalable platform that supports enterprises transitioning from stability to scale and market leadership. The role will further strengthen linkages between enterprise development, inclusive finance, wealth creation, insurance, investment advisory, and employee welfare solutions, while building a vibrant ecosystem of entrepreneurs anchored on peer and downstream mentorship models, advanced enterprise & executive capability development pathways, Market linkages and Value chain integration, and Investment & Strategic Finance Access initiatives. The position will drive innovative, hybrid delivery models while deepening collaboration with the Bank, Investment Bank, Insurance, corporates, and ecosystem partners to enhance enterprise competitiveness, growth, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver the Enterprise Clubs strategy aligned to the broader ED&FI Pillar strategy, the Africa Recovery & Resilience Plan (ARRP), and Group’s inclusive growth agenda.
• Lead implementation of mentorship-driven, peer-based, and membership-oriented enterprise learning models, ensuring high-quality experience and value for participating enterprises.
• Oversee rollout of executive-level capability development, including curated leadership forums, advanced enterprise training, and retreats.
• Strengthen enterprise ecosystems through market linkages, value chain integration, and partnerships with corporates, financial institutions, and sector actors.
• Develop finance/investment readiness pathways, strategic finance mechanisms, and capital access programs for High Value Enterprises (HVEs.)
• Lead stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and resource mobilization to secure strategic, technical, and financial support for the Enterprise Clubs and related HVE and business leadership initiatives.
• Identify, develop, and manage funding opportunities from internal and external partners to support program growth, innovation, sustainability, and scale.
• Manage work planning, budgeting, and efficient resource allocation for all high-value enterprise programs.
• Oversee hybrid program delivery ensuring seamless integration of in-person, digital, and membership-based models.
• Develop and manage a high-performing HVE & Business Leadership program team, providing coaching and mentorship.
• Ensure regular program performance reporting, documentation of success stories, and impact communication.
• Coordinate with M&E to track outcomes, strengthen learning, and ensure continuous program improvement.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Pillar Lead.

Key Technical and Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrate strong leadership skills, strategic planning expertise, and excellent communication abilities, Program management and as well as experience designing, coordinating, executing, and supporting the evaluation of Enterprise Development & Financial Inclusion pillar initiatives.
• Strong expertise in enterprise development, high-value enterprise growth, Business clubs and business leadership programming.
• Demonstrated experience with investment readiness, capital mobilization, and strategic finance models.
• Knowledge of MSME and SME ecosystems, value chains, supply chain dynamics, and corporate partnership models.
• Strong project management abilities and experience delivering hybrid programs.
• Excellent relationship-building and networking skills across private sector and development partners.
• Strong people leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and stakeholder management competencies.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to support enterprise scaling and competitiveness.
• Working proficiency in digital learning platforms and data systems.
• High emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, negotiation, and mentorship capability.

Qualifications 
Experience Requirements

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in enterprise/ private sector development, entrepreneurship support, SME Banking, Business leadership, investment promotion, Insurance or enterprise support ecosystems.
• Proven experience managing Business Clubs, large scale/ high-value enterprises, SME leadership programs or membership-based ecosystems/networks.
• Experience in investment readiness, capital advisory, or strategic finance pathways is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of MSME growth dynamics, financial inclusion, and private sector development.
• Track record of strong performance in multi-stakeholder program management across regions/countries.
• Experience working with corporates, engaging senior business leaders, investors, financial institutions, business associations, value chain actors and development partners.
• Exposure to digital, innovation-driven, and hybrid enterprise delivery models.
• Strong strategic, partnership-building, stakeholder engagement, and leadership capabilities.

Academic Qualifications and Certifications

• Masters’ degree in Entrepreneurship Business, Development Studies, Development Finance, Economics, Strategy or related business fields.
• Certification in entrepreneurship development, leadership development, or enterprise coaching is an added advantage.
• Project Management certification is highly desirable.