Strategy Manager, Acquiring

Role Overview

Strategy Manager, Acquiring at Network International, based in the Middle East and Africa region.

Company Overview

Network International is the largest Financial Technology company in the Middle East and Africa. The organization provides payment services in more than 50 countries, including UAE, Jordan, South Africa, and Egypt. Beyond payments, Network International offers services in Data and Insights, Lending, Insurance, and Risk Solutions. Core customers span businesses at every scale and segment, with growing presence in the direct-to-consumer card segment.

Role Purpose

The Strategy Manager will support the development of strategic intent and vision for the Enterprise Acquiring business. This role will assist Acquiring business leads in developing and executing strategic plans to achieve Revenue targets for 2026-2027 and create steady revenue streams for forthcoming years. The position provides effective management information and competitive market insights to drive the Enterprise Acquiring business line and support Board reporting requirements, helping shape the future direction of the business by supporting Senior Management and Stakeholders in making key strategic decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development & Market Intelligence

• Support the development of the Acquiring Strategy by continuously assessing market and client (Merchant Community) needs.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest competitor offerings and emerging market trends across the Payments Industry and Merchant Services to identify focus markets and segments.
• Periodically review current strategy and goals to identify potential strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
• Identify and provide analysis on threats and opportunities that can positively or negatively impact the strategic plan.

Business Growth & Innovation

• Support creativity, change, business growth, and stability in the Enterprise and Government Business.
• Envision new income streams by deploying the existing strengths of the organization and plan execution through relevant stakeholder engagement and Finance Business Partner buy-in.
• Take unique initiatives that help provide alternative solutions to existing problems.
• Work with Product to develop a roadmap and deliver a winning client proposition.
• Track new Value-Added Services and Products against launch business plans and objectives.

Strategy Execution & Planning

• Be the key planner, analyzer, and risk leader in the development of functional strategies and ensure they remain aligned to overall business strategy.
• Support the communication and implementation of strategies and business plans.
• Support the development of high-quality business plans and business cases.
• Develop approach and supporting documentation for strategic clients, propositions, or opportunities.
• Manage the process to develop strategic documents to support the Organization's needs.

Regulatory & Industry Alignment

• Prepare appropriate Business (not compliance) responses to regulators and schemes.
• Generate Strategy Papers for alignment with Schemes and UAE Banking Federation, keeping in mind long-term strategic benefits to the Enterprise business and UAE Payment Industry in general.

Acquisitions & Partnerships

• Support the identification of and execution of acquisitions, joint ventures, and alliances.
• Help monitor and deliver agreed ROI and benefits.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Ensure feedback from EXCO and Board meetings is captured within the Enterprise strategy plan.
• Review, track, and report progress against the strategic plan at a minimum of quarterly intervals.
• Own and manage delivery of a quarterly performance and market intelligence report.
• Coordinate and deliver monthly operational review reports aligned to the business plan and strategy.
• Obtain and validate necessary performance data to ensure accuracy of reporting and to assist Enterprise leadership team in decision-making.
• Provide necessary Enterprise inputs, within agreed timelines, to support periodic stock market requirements, including updates to quarterly guidance and annual reports.

Analysis & Advisory

• Identify gaps in the business and advise on corrective actions necessary.
• Deliver strategic planning material and research-based analytical outputs.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage change and drive continuous improvement.
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities.

Additional Information

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel required for meetings, conferences, and training sessions.
• Fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• Full details are available on the employer's original posting.