Regional Manager - Payment Acceptance (SME & Commercial Segments) at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• The Regional Manager for Payment Acceptance will lead and oversee a team of Product Specialists responsible for driving merchant acquiring solutions across SME and Commercial segments within the region. The role requires close collaboration with regional segment executives, bankers, and product specialists to achieve sales and performance targets. The Regional Manager will manage the overall regional strategy, P&L, and the execution of key initiatives while ensuring product specialists effectively support the bankers and deliver tailored solutions.

Job Description

Leadership & People Management:

• Lead and manage a team of Product Specialists, ensuring alignment with regional objectives and achievement of individual and team targets.
• Set performance goals and regularly review outcomes, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Hold Product Specialists accountable for working closely with regional segment heads and bankers to drive sales, cross-sell opportunities, and adoption of new products.
• Work with Product Specialists to support bankers in simple sales and take ownership of complex sales engagements.
• Collaborate with regional segment executives to ensure alignment of goals and effective execution of regional strategies.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:

• Foster strong relationships with regional segment executives, bankers, and other key stakeholders to drive growth in payment acceptance solutions.
• Ensure Product Specialists work closely with bankers and segment leaders, developing joint strategies and co-managing sales pipelines.
• Provide strategic direction and insights to support banker engagement, client solutions, and revenue generation.

Regional Strategy & Execution:

• Develop and execute a regional strategy for merchant acquiring aligned with national objectives.
• Lead campaigns and initiatives focused on new customer acquisition, retention, and cross-selling value-added services.
• Ensure regional sales targets and P&L objectives are met by identifying growth opportunities and leveraging market insights.

Driving Innovation & Payment Modernization:

• Ensure bankers and Product Specialists actively promote and drive adoption of new products, solutions, and innovations in payment acceptance.
• Champion initiatives focused on payment modernization and digital transformation, aligning with industry trends and customer expectations.
• Identify opportunities to introduce innovative solutions that enhance customer experience and drive operational efficiency.

Client Engagement & Market Representation:

• Represent payment acceptance at regional events, client engagements, and industry forums, promoting the bank’s capabilities and solutions.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key clients and stakeholders.
• Engage in high-level client conversations to identify needs, co-create solutions, and support complex sales engagements.

P&L Management & Reporting:

• Take full ownership of the regional P&L for payment acceptance, ensuring revenue, profitability, and cost targets are achieved.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators, sales pipeline, and financial outcomes, implementing corrective measures as needed.
• Track and analyze regional activities, performance metrics, and feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Knowledge Transfer & Enablement:

• Develop and deliver training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions to upskill bankers on merchant acquiring solutions.
• Empower bankers to manage simple sales independently, providing product knowledge and tools to support them.
• Work with Product Specialists to deliver insights, market trends, and performance data to regional teams and drive strategic decision-making.

Risk & Compliance Management:

• Ensure all sales activities and strategies comply with regulatory requirements and risk management policies.
• Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

Key Competencies:

• Strong leadership, people management, and coaching skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and ability to execute on complex initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of merchant acquiring, payments, and product innovation.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in managing P&L and performance targets.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field (MBA preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in merchant acquiring, payments, or financial services, with a proven track record in sales and leadership roles.
• Experience working across SME and Commercial segments and managing regional teams.

KPIs for Success:

• Achievement of regional revenue and P&L targets.
• Growth in new customer acquisition, cross-selling, and product adoption.
• Successful execution of regional strategies and campaigns.
• Increased banker enablement and independent sales performance.
• Enhanced client engagement and satisfaction outcomes.
• Effective collaboration with regional segment executives and stakeholders.

Education

• Bachelors Degree and Professional Qualifications: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)