Managing Director, Africa Rapid Transfer (Ecobank International SA)
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
Paris
GENERAL JOB INFORMATION
Job Title: Managing Director, Africa Rapid Transfer (Ecobank International SA)
Reports to: Group Head, Remittance & Fintech
Location: Paris, France (with international travel as required)
JOB PURPOSE
The Managing Director will lead Africa Rapid Transfer, driving business development and revenue growth while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. This role requires a highly motivated and experienced individual with a proven track record in the payments industry, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the regulatory environment. The successful candidate will be based in Paris, utilizing office space provided by Ecobank International SA, and will be responsible for establishing the operational foundation of the business.
Job Context
About Africa Rapid Transfer
Africa Rapid Transfer is a licensed Payment Institution authorized by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) in France. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ecobank International SA. Africa Rapid Transfer facilitates cross-border payments & money transfers and is poised for significant growth within the global payments landscape.
Job Context
Africa Rapid Transfer operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving global payments landscape. With increasing regulatory scrutiny, digital transformation, and the rising demand for seamless cross-border transactions, the Managing Director must navigate market complexities while ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance. The role demands strong leadership, strategic foresight, and the ability to foster key partnerships that drive sustainable growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Business and Financial Performance
- Develop and execute a comprehensive business strategy to drive revenue growth, market expansion, and profitability.
- Identify, cultivate, and secure strategic partnerships with financial institutions, fintech companies, and corporate clients.
- Lead sales and marketing initiatives, including branding, product positioning, and participation in industry events.
- Oversee contract negotiations and ensure that business agreements align with financial and strategic goals.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and emerging financial technologies to capitalize on new business opportunities.
- Develop and manage the company's financial plan, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to stakeholders.
2. Customer Excellence
- Establish and oversee a best-in-class customer experience framework for Africa Rapid Transfer clients and partners.
- Ensure seamless service delivery by integrating user-friendly payment solutions and enhancing transaction efficiency.
- Develop customized payment solutions to meet the unique needs of customers in different markets.
- Collaborate with product and technology teams to ensure the continuous enhancement of payment solutions.
- Drive a customer-first culture that prioritizes client feedback and implements service improvements.
3. Leadership and People Management
- Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Provide coaching and professional development opportunities for key team members.
- Ensure alignment between Africa Rapid Transfer’s goals and the broader Ecobank Group objectives.
- Champion diversity and inclusion within the workforce while fostering a collaborative team environment.
4. Process, Control, and Operational Performance
- Establish and manage the operational infrastructure required for payments processing, compliance, risk management, and customer service.
- Ensure full compliance with ACPR and European regulatory requirements for payment institutions.
- Implement robust risk management frameworks to mitigate operational, financial, and regulatory risks.
- Develop and oversee governance structures to maintain data integrity, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention.
- Leverage technology and automation to improve operational efficiency and scalability.
- Maintain strong relationships with regulatory authorities and ensure timely regulatory reporting.
5. Strategic Initiatives
- Lead Africa Rapid Transfer’s expansion strategy, including entry into new markets and the development of innovative payment solutions.
- Oversee the development of new remittance and fintech products that align with customer needs and market demands.
- Represent Africa Rapid Transfer at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to strengthen brand positioning.
- Drive digital transformation initiatives that enhance customer engagement and operational agility.
- Align business activities with sustainability and ESG principles, ensuring responsible business practices.
Key Success Factors
- Achievement of revenue growth, market expansion, and profitability targets.
- Strong partnerships and client relationships across the global payments ecosystem.
- Successful establishment of operational processes and infrastructure.
- High levels of regulatory compliance and risk management effectiveness.
- Increased brand recognition and competitive positioning within the payments industry.
JOB PROFILE
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
- Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
Experience
- 10+ years of experience in the payments industry, with a focus on business development and revenue generation.
- Deep understanding of payment systems, remittance services, and digital financial products.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, particularly in the European Union (ACPR, PSD2, GDPR).
- Experience in managing international partnerships and working across multiple jurisdictions.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and scale a financial technology business.
- Fluency in English and French is mandatory.
Competencies And Behaviours
Technical Competencies
- Expertise in digital payments, cross-border remittances, and financial technology.
- Strong financial acumen, including experience in P&L management, forecasting, and financial planning.
- Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and ensure compliance.
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic thinker with the ability to drive long-term growth and sustainability.
- Proven ability to lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced, evolving market.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage regulators, partners, and clients.
Personal Attributes
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and digital transformation.
- Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and manage cross-border teams.
- High ethical standards and integrity in business operations.
Deadline for all applications is March 17th, 2025