Business Development Manager

The Business Development Manager will own enterprise client acquisition and lead generation for the Merchant Partner network.

Nkaise Africa Limited is a pan-African B2B digital trade infrastructure platform connecting merchants with verified suppliers and essential trade services across African markets.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Summary:

• 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.

• 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.

How to apply Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and a brief note explaining why they are a good fit for the role to: (see Apply by email) using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

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