Business Development Manager

THE ROLE

• The Business Development Manager will own enterprise client acquisition and lead generation for the Merchant Partner network. You will be the primary driver of revenue growth, building relationships with enterprise buyers, supply chain operators and institutional partners while simultaneously recruiting and activating Merchant Partners across your territory.
• This is a hands-on, field-facing role. You will combine strategic thinking with disciplined execution, managing a pipeline from first contact through to signed agreement and onboarding. You will report directly to the Co-Founder & CEO.

Enterprise Client Acquisition

• Identify, prospect and engage enterprise clients including distributors, manufacturers, buying groups and institutional buyers who benefit from trade infrastructure.
• Build and manage a structured sales pipeline from initial outreach through qualification, proposal, negotiation and close.
• Develop and deliver compelling proposals and presentations tailored to the operational needs of each prospect.
• Negotiate commercial terms, coordinate internal approvals and manage the handover to operations post-close.
• Maintain accurate records of all enterprise activity and update pipeline reporting on a weekly basis.

Merchant Partner Network

• Recruit, screen and onboard Merchant Partners who will represent Nkaise in their local markets and merchant communities.
• Conduct onboarding sessions and equip Merchant Partners with the tools, materials and knowledge they need to activate merchants effectively.
• Build and manage an active Merchant Partner pipeline, tracking recruitment progress and partner activation rates.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Merchant Partner queries during the onboarding phase, escalating as appropriate.
• Monitor partner performance against agreed targets and coordinate with the Merchant Support team on underperforming partners.

Market Intelligence and Strategy

• Gather ground-level intelligence on merchant needs, competitor activity and emerging market opportunities in your territory.
• Translate field insights into actionable recommendations for product, pricing and go-to-market adjustments.
• Participate in the development of quarterly business development plans and territory strategies.
• Represent Nkaise at relevant industry events, trade associations and business forums.

Reporting and Coordination

• Submit structured weekly activity reports covering pipeline status, partner recruitment, market observations and blockers.
• Collaborate closely with the Merchant Support & Operations function to ensure smooth merchant onboarding after a partner signs.
• Work with the Marketing function to align outreach campaigns with business development priorities.
• Track and report on agreed KPIs including revenue closed, partners recruited and merchants activated through your pipeline.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• 3 to 5 years of experience in business development, enterprise sales or account management, preferably within fintech, B2B SaaS, trade finance or supply chain.
• Demonstrated track record of closing enterprise deals and meeting revenue targets independently.
• Strong network within the Nigerian merchant, distributor or supply chain ecosystem is a significant advantage.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage C-suite and operations leaders.
• Highly organised and self-directed; comfortable managing multiple prospects and activities simultaneously without close supervision.
• Proficiency in CRM tools or structured pipeline management, and a habit of accurate, timely reporting.
• Based in Lagos or Abuja with the ability and willingness to travel for client meetings and partner recruitment.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN THE FIRST 90 DAYS

• You have completed onboarding, understand our product, value proposition and target segments, and can confidently represent Nkaise in a client meeting.
• You have built an active enterprise pipeline with at least five qualified prospects at proposal stage or beyond.
• You have recruited and onboarded a meaningful cohort of Merchant Partners within your assigned territory.
• You are delivering structured weekly reports and your pipeline data is consistently accurate and up to date.