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Job DescriptionVisa needs an experienced leader for the SVP, Group Country Manager Western and Central Africa role. The role is responsible for leading the next phase of dynamic growth across 22 markets in Western and Central, with a predominant focus on Nigeria, Cote D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Ghana.
As Visa in CEMEA continues to grow and win business against a backdrop of rapidly changing markets and regulation, it is critical that the candidate has the strategic capabilities to define the priorities for the Western and Central African markets and strengthen the operating model and market resource. By leveraging Visa’s world class brand, transforming technology and deepening partnerships, Visa has a unique opportunity to expand access and drive strategic growth. To support this growth, it will be critical that Visa hires the best talent in the market to lead and enable the Western and Central Africa team to take Visa to the next level of success.
The role reports to the Group Executive, CEMEA and will drive the following high level strategic goals :-
To set and direct business strategy, objectives and plans for the Western and Central African market in the context of the overall Visa Inc. and CEMEA strategy, delivering against these ambitious plans.P&L ownership of all Visa’s business in the respective markets, achieving volume, sales and revenue goals from existing and incremental business and investing in new business opportunities.Develop and provide leadership for market strategies, country and key account plans by integrating and setting priorities based on information about the market, client opportunities, Visa priorities and competitor activities. Oversee the development of strategies and programs for the core products business and expand into new frontiers, including acquirer, merchant and digital / innovation ecosystem.Drive performance through setting strategy, inspiring and motivating high-performing talent and empower robust decision makingRepresent Visa externally on a regular basis through interactions with key clients, the press, domestic regulators, government agencies, consumers, merchants and the broader fintech / emerging digital ecosystem.Champion Visa’s consumer and employer brand in the market – leading by example on Visa’s Leadership Principles and values. Act as an ambassador in the market for exceptional talent and company brand attraction.
THE POSITION & THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Roles and Responsibilities:
Identify success factors for business growth, develop and implement sales strategy accordingly, develop tactics and define actions to achieve defined goals.Identify opportunities for new business in market and develop and implement market entry strategies, as applicable.Monitor the development of the broader banking, financial services and fintech ecosystem, analysing trends and forecasting factors affecting current and potential business opportunities for VisaIdentify strategic shifts in market relating to merchant and consumer payment choices that could have overall implications and business impact for Visa. Inc. Lead Visa’s strategy with Governments, Central Banks and other domestic and international regulatory institutions. Build and develop deep relationships with these entities to maximize Visa’s influence within the electronic payments and fintech industry. Maximize awareness in markets throughout the ecosystem in which Visa operates with a range of industry partners to ensure that the Company is in an excellent position for drive growth, engagement and innovationRepresent Visa Inc. to major country/market across multiple areas from sales to regulatory affairs to corporate and social responsibility by speaking at conferences and business meetings and undertaking media/public relations activities in the area to shape perceptions of the corporationWork in unison with functional departments to maximize utilization of Visa Inc. leadership in this regard
Client Leadership
Build and grow deep relationships with clients, key players across the payment ecosystem, including but not limited to, merchants, acquirers, financial institutions, banks, governments, consumers, regulators etc.. Develop market leading strategies, priorities, needs and decision making processes. Develop and engage with Country Manger’s (CM’s) creation of holistic client and account plans. Advise on customer-specific strategic ideas and innovative solutions to drive mutual growth revenues. Share Visa’s views on industry developments and dynamics to inspire them about Visa products being an enabler for impactful resultsLead, develop, maintain and cultivate close relationships with decision-makers and other influencers, client CEOs and other senior leaders of banks including, central banks, national banking associations and partner companies, have excellent knowledge of their views on developments within the banking, financial services and fintech ecosystemRapidly assimilate and clearly articulate Visa’s product positioning and pricing versus competitors’ products in clients’ product portfolios
People Leadership
Lead and inspire client sales function, manage large and geographically dispersed diverse teams to achieve ambitious targets, exceptional communication ability and passionate commitment to actively engaging employees throughout geographiesPartner and build strong relationships with global functions (finance, product, marketing, strategy, corporate relations etc.), to ensure that each function supports the strategic agenda of market(s)Servant leadership mentality, deeply committed to serving and listening to others. Natural ability to build strong relationships and enable collaboration through empathy and authenticity.Ensure that cross-divisional teams are aligned and briefed about clients’ and business partners’ environment. Ensure that strategic plans for the markets are developed with, understood and shared by the supporting functions within Visa Attract, develop and retain outstanding and diverse talent. Ensure appropriate succession planning is in place within key roles and maximize employee engagement in markets. Work with other GCMs and Function leaders to develop and cross-train upcoming CMs to hone their general manager skills. Partner with the People Team to champion top talent with potential
Operational Leadership
Lead the development and implementation of the Western and Central Africa strategy to enable the activity of others that delivers key targets and revenue accelerationDrive consultative and solution sales efforts within the market and ensure cultural and working style differences are understood and respected.Drive business goals and priorities across country clusters, monitoring and re-prioritizing when necessaryPartner with global functions to ensure their engagement supports business development and investment opportunities. Take the lead in managing and maximizing return on all resources and investment applied across the market including sales, product, marketing and operational resources. Ensure excellent collaboration, liaison and communication across the Westerna and Central African market and beyondStrategically plan and develop Visa’s business in the market to meet or exceed targets established through the planning process within allocated budgets. Focus on achieving business targets through growing the existing business, identifying new business opportunities and introducing and implementing new products and innovative services across large, complex markets. Monitor business results of individual top priority clients, including banks, anticipate challenges and take proactive measures to deliver on targets for major countries and / or Africa marketEnsure and contribute to efficient operational management of market offices through direct reports including country managers, ensuring all activities are undertaken within the appropriate risk and controls frameworks (local regulatory and Visa internal) with clear ownership and accountability
Location: Cote d’Ivoire or Nigeria
Qualifications• He/she will bring at least 18+ years of experience, including significant experience in a commercial leadership position within the broader payments industry or adjacent sectors where technology (digital / e and m-commerce) feature strongly in the ecosystem.
• P&L management experience
• Leadership of an enterprise or the commercial functions of a business where the development and deployment of the digital and customer agenda is a key driver of success.
• Growing a business in a high-growth / fast-paced environment would be advantageous. Leading key client relationships and growing significant client sales portfolios. Strong B2B2C experience, with knowledge of expanding into new customer distribution channels.
• Robust decision-making and analytical skills. Strong command of financial, market and consumer data with the ability to grasp complex and detailed issues. Financially literate with an excellent understanding of risk management.
• Demonstrated success developing strategy and leading it through to execution and delivery. Consistent record of having met challenging financial and business targets.
• An appreciation and resonance around political, governmental and regulatory environments across Western and Central Africa would be desirable.
• Experience building, leading and developing high performing teams. Ability to work collaboratively with executives from Visa’s clients and partners to leverage Visa’s products and services in order to build broader payments solutions, and to enhance the organisation’s client relationships.
• Commercially astute with experience of working in a global matrix organisation with the ability to navigate complex structures and empower decision-making locally.
• Experience of leading change programmes within a business and has led a team on a journey of cultural and transformational change.
• Proven success managing large client relationships and developing new business opportunities with key partners in the market. Leads and inspires the team with a growth mindset and a real passion for payments and innovation
• Experience of working in a multi-national, multi-cultural, diverse and highly-matrixed organisation with the ability to make an impact and gain immediate respect and credibility.
• Fluent in both French and English.
Personal Characteristics:
• An intellectually curious but humble leader with a high degree of compassion, able to engage, enable and inspire others.
• A hands-on approach to all activities with real passion and high levels of energy. Agile and comfortable adapting to different environments.
• Creative and resourceful in overcoming barriers and unexpected roadblocks. Courageous in spirit, driving change through innovation.
• An authentic leader who intuitively engenders an inclusive environment, enabling the business to reach its ambitious goals.
• Possesses high personal standards of ethics and integrity towards employees, stakeholders and customers.
• Diversity of thought and experience. Continually seeks new perspectives and feedback, takes an inclusive approach and engages diverse points of view.
• High levels of learning-agility with a real interest in the fintech ecosystem and a ‘technology / digital-first’ approach.
• Entrepreneurial and comfortable with ambiguous and change-led environments, self-confident with an authentic style that gravitates to championing change.
• Eager to seek a challenge and expand frontiers, brings a visionary approach. Sets and meets a high bar of goals and principles.
• Committed to building a community through Visa’s Leadership Principles.
Visa is an EEO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Visa will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.