Micro Merchant Manager

Micro-Merchant Manager

Airtel Money is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the development and expansion of its Micro-Merchant network. The Micro-Merchant Manager will be responsible for the strategy, rollout, and growth of Airtel Money's micro-merchant proposition across the nation. This role involves acquiring, activating, managing, and growing a substantial base of micro, small, and medium merchants who accept Airtel Money payments. The successful candidate will drive merchant acquisition strategies, boost payment acceptance and transaction volumes, enhance merchant satisfaction, and significantly contribute to Airtel Money's revenue and customer growth targets.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Growth & Commercial Strategy

• Develop and implement a micro-merchant growth strategy aligned with Airtel Money's business objectives.


• Drive merchant acquisition, activation, retention, and revenue growth initiatives.


• Identify and prioritize merchant segments offering the highest growth potential.


• Develop compelling business cases for new merchant products and services.


• Monitor market trends, customer needs, competitor activities, and emerging payment technologies.

Merchant Acquisition & Expansion

• Design and execute nationwide merchant acquisition plans.


• Recruit both micro and formal merchants to the platform.


• Build and optimize scalable merchant onboarding processes.


• Collaborate closely with zonal sales and distribution teams to recruit and maintain active merchants.


• Establish strategic partnerships with merchant associations, chambers of commerce, and SME groups.


• Ensure efficient and seamless merchant registration and activation.

Merchant Activation & Usage

• Develop and implement initiatives to increase transaction frequency and merchant engagement.


• Lead merchant education and awareness programs to drive adoption.


• Introduce incentives and campaigns to encourage active use of Airtel Money acceptance solutions.


• Monitor merchant activity and implement strategies to reduce dormancy.

Channel Management

• Develop robust merchant support models and service standards.


• Ensure field teams are adequately trained and equipped to provide excellent merchant support.


• Manage key relationships with merchant aggregators and business partners.

Revenue & Performance Management

• Achieve agreed-upon targets for merchant acquisition, activation, transaction volume, and revenue.


• Analyze merchant performance data to derive actionable insights and recommendations.


• Develop initiatives to enhance merchant profitability and lifetime value.


• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and present regular performance reports to senior management.

Customer Experience & Support

• Champion a superior merchant experience across all customer touchpoints.


• Identify and address merchant pain points to improve satisfaction.


• Ensure timely resolution of merchant complaints and inquiries.


• Gather merchant feedback to inform product improvements and new service development.


• Drive the introduction of value-added services such as Merchant Loans, Working Capital Solutions, and Loyalty and Rewards Programs.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure strict compliance with all regulatory requirements and company policies.


• Implement effective controls to mitigate fraud and operational risks.


• Ensure adherence to Know Your Customer (KYC) and merchant onboarding standards.


• Monitor for suspicious activities and escalate them appropriately.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Commerce, or a related field.


• Master’s Degree or MBA is considered an advantage.

Relevant Experience:

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in Mobile Money, Banking, Fintech, Payments, FMCG, Telecommunications, or Digital Financial Services.


• At least 3 years in a management or product commercialization role.


• Demonstrated experience in merchant acquisition, payments, agency banking, or distribution management.


• Proven track record of successfully achieving commercial growth targets.