Senior Manager: Remittance (Global) at MTN

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job
The Senior Manager: Remittance (Global) is accountable for the successful development, delivery & implementation  of the Global (Outside Africa) Remittance product strategy & roadmap, which includes inbound and outbound remittances . The role is also responsible to ensure growth of the  Global (Outside Africa) Remittance portfolio across Group Finco. The role will focus on enhancement of current products & services and also develop the overall product growth strategy and introduction of new products & services

The role is also responsible for the homeland product portfolio . Further, the role is also expected to ensure and drive compliance to applicable regulatory requirements across Group Finco within the  Global (Outside Africa) remittance product portfolio. Further the role is accountable for the quality of products & service delivery while ensuring profitability and managing cost of operations & delivery

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's) 
Strategy Development and Implementation

• Support and contribute to the development of the functional strategy in line with the overarching business goals
• Manage & lead the development of the sub-functional strategy in line with the overarching business goals
• Identify and assess new growth opportunities in the Global (Outside Africa) remittance space
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to enable the regular review of the sub-functional strategy, roadmap and performance to ensure its alignment with the changing dynamics of the internal and external ecosystem
• Together with key stakeholders and strategic partners, analyse the technological, business, and competitive landscape to support development of a Global (Outside Africa) Remittance strategy

Operational Delivery

• Lead and manage the Global (Outside Africa) remittance product portfolio as the Product Owner
• Lead and grow the Global (Outside Africa) remittance product portfolio in line with the business strategy
• Drive the implementation of the strategic objectives of the remittances vertical
• Review & oversee the delivery of the products, services, and all marketing initiatives in terms of MFS offers, in line with the defined deadlines and quality expected.
• Responsible for the identification of opportunities, growth levers and design the product & Opcos roadmaps in line with the overall strategy, market dynamics and customer requirements
• Act as an interface between the various stakeholders and ensure robust implementation of projects while meeting deadlines and delivery quality standards
• Review and analyse periodic reports describing on implementation status and product performance metrics
• Lead and manage the technical tendering process, particularly in the preparation of specifications, the technical evaluation of bids and the selection of partners able to support in operational implementation of the product plan
• Accountable to review the Product design, contract, commercial model, GTM, process, systems, partnerships and implementation with Opcos
• Provide advisory support to Finco Opcos (as required) in implementing the Global (Outside Africa) Remittance products and services
• Review and continuously improve the Global (Outside Africa) Remittance product development, business plan and product offers
• Develop decisive strategies that deliver tangible business results
• Oversee and review the Global (Outside Africa) Remittance solution product design and development
• Conceptualize & develop new Go-To-Market strategies for new Global (Outside Africa) Remittance products or enhancements
• Refine and develop the product vision, roadmap, and growth opportunities
• Provide guidance in backlog management, iteration planning, and elaboration of the user stories
• Oversee and help prioritize product feature backlog and development for the remittance outbound product
• Review and monitor product backlog according to business value or ROI
• Oversee and monitor product release plans and set the expectation for delivery of new functionalities
• Play an active role in mitigating impediments impacting successful team completion of Release/Sprint Goals
• Identify customer needs and competitor solutions to drive new business opportunities and create disruptive experiences

Governance

Strategic Meetings

• Participate and provide input in strategic meetings
• Perform evaluation baseline of key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Request for relevant budget for internal projects and new initiatives
• Facilitate preparation of proposals on change initiatives, policies and procedures

Escalations

• Review all projects initiated (internal or global)
• Prepare objectives, targets, and budgets as applicable
• Review key risks, issues and dependencies and set mitigation actions
• Sign off and Facilitate sign-off / making decisions regarding tactical changes

Function Tactical

• Report periodically on all projects initiated (internal or global)
• Input on objectives, targets, and budgets for sub-function as applicable
• Develop and monitor key risks, issues and dependencies and set mitigation actions
• Facilitate sign-off / making decisions regarding tactical changes

Performance

• Monitor and analyse products performance trends from financial, competitive, and operational perspectives
• Monitor performance and alignment with Finco global strategy
• Ensure alignment between and across other functions within the Group Finco team

Reporting

• Report on a periodic basis to the Reporting Manager relating to progress made within the function and in accordance with the measurement metrics set by the organization
• Report on an ad hoc basis on specific projects, as required

Budgets

• Manage product budgets in line with overall business objectives
• Manage project initiative budgets in line with business objectives
• Ensure that the cost of operations are reduced, in line with a least cost operating strategy stemming from the business drivers

Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities

• Continually develop a culture of strong collaboration and effective team working
• Provide guidance and leadership ensuring future focus and current efficiency
• Coach and mentor direct reports to ensure staff motivation is high
• Ensure adequate succession planning & that succession plans are achieved
• Set KPIs and provide regular performance feedback through a well-defined and implemented performance review program
• Ensure the effective management of diversity among personnel in the division
• Identify staff training and development needs and implement necessary actions
• Manage team (including recruitment, on boarding, attrition)

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies) 
Education:

• 4-year Computer Science/ Statistics/ Mathematics/ Engineering (or related) Degree
• Master’s in Business Administration is advantageous
• Formal certification in Digital Product Management / Product Owner, Agile Delivery, User Experience or other relevant fields would be beneficial

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in Fintech Payments or Telecommunication industry
• At least 3-4 years’ experience in remittance / financial product development & management
• Manager track record of 3-4 years or more
• Experience in leading and implementing innovative Fintech products and within the Telco, financial or banking industry
• Experience with Agile delivery and Development Operations frameworks
• Deep understanding of the Fintech ecosystem, players, business models and industry related best practices.
• Understanding emerging markets advantageous
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies
• Pan Africa multi-cultural experience is advantageous
• Entrepreneurial spirit, self-driven and ability to motivate a fast-paced team
• Attitude of Innovation, inventiveness and thought leadership
• Abreast of global mind-set and best practice
• Willing and flexible to travel within Africa and Middle East
• English speaker. French, Portuguese, Zulu, Swahili, and other African languages a plus

Competencies:

Functional Knowledge:

• Fintech Products & Ecosystem
• Remittance regulations and laws
• Product development
• Global money transfer process
• AML and Compliance
• Agile delivery and Development Operations frameworks
• Project Management
• Agile methodologies

Skills:

• Business Acumen
• Strong Analytics/data interpretation and presentation skills
• Detail orientation and high standards on work performed
• Continuous improvement
• Analytical thinking
• Negotiation skills
• Teamwork
• Interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinking
• Conflict management and problem solving
• Ability to cope with stress
• Executive Presentation
• Ability to exercise patience
• Ability to deal with change and fast pace

Behavioural Qualities:

• Adaptable
• Complete candour
• Culturally aware
• Emotional Maturity
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Leadership
• Team Player