Managing Director – Digital Financial Marketplace

StratPartners Consults is supporting a client with an executive search for a Managing Director within the digital financial technology space.

THE ROLE

The successful candidate must have a strong technical background, with prior hands-on experience in software development, software engineering, systems architecture, solutions engineering, IT or related technology disciplines, alongside proven experience in business leadership, enterprise sales, business development and strategic partnerships.

He/She will provide overall strategic, commercial and operational leadership for the business, with responsibility for driving its growth, market positioning and profitability. He/she must be capable of bridging technology and business, translating technical capabilities into commercially viable solutions and driving sustainable business growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Business Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and execute the overall business strategy, growth plans and annual operating objectives.
• Identify new business opportunities and strategic growth initiatives.
• Drive business objectives across all functional areas.
• Establish business targets, performance indicators and accountability structures.
• Provide overall leadership and direction to the business team.

2. Business Development and Commercial Growth

• Develop and execute effective go-to-market strategies.
• Drive business acquisition, enterprise sales and strategic business development initiatives.
• Identify and convert business opportunities into sustainable revenue.
• Lead commercial negotiations, proposals and strategic business engagements.
• Build and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Drive customer acquisition, retention and revenue growth.
• Identify new commercial opportunities and revenue streams.

3. Technology and Product Management

• Provide strategic direction for the development and commercialisation of technology products.
• Work closely with technology and product teams to align solutions with market needs and business objectives.
• Drive product innovation, market relevance and continuous improvement.
• Ensure technology initiatives support the overall business strategy and commercial objectives.

4. Strategic Partnerships and Market Development

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with financial institutions, technology partners, corporate organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for strategic alliances and business collaborations.
• Represent the business at industry engagements and strategic meetings.
• Monitor market developments, industry trends and competitive activities to identify growth opportunities.

5. Financial and Operational Management

• Take ownership of the business's financial performance, revenue growth and profitability.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts and business performance targets.
• Monitor business performance against agreed KPIs.
• Ensure effective resource allocation, cost management and operational efficiency.
• Provide regular performance reports and strategic recommendations to shareholders.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong technical understanding of software development, technology architecture, digital platforms and technology-driven business models.
• Excellent commercial acumen and a strong orientation towards revenue generation.
• Proven enterprise sales, business development and deal-closing capabilities.
• Ability to translate technology capabilities into commercially viable products and services.
• Strong strategic thinking, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven leadership, decision-making and execution capabilities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and financial management skills.
• Innovation, adaptability and the ability to drive business growth in a dynamic environment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 15 years' relevant professional experience, with at least 5 years in senior leadership, business management or executive commercial roles.
• Proven hands-on experience in software development, software engineering, systems architecture, solutions engineering, IT or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrable career progression from a technical role into business, commercial or executive leadership.
• Experience in fintech, financial services, technology solutions, digital business or related industries.
• Proven track record in enterprise sales, business development, strategic partnerships and revenue generation.
• Experience managing business budgets, P&L and commercial performance.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Performance will be assessed against:

• Overall business growth and market penetration.
• Acquisition of strategic clients and business partnerships.
• Achievement of revenue and profitability targets.
• Growth in customer acquisition and product adoption.
• Successful commercialisation of products and new business opportunities.
• Customer retention and overall business performance.
• Operational efficiency and effective resource management.