Head, Partnerships

Standard Bank Group is a leading Africa-focused financial services group, and an innovative player on the global stage, that offers a variety of career-enhancing opportunities – plus the chance to work alongside some of the sector’s most talented, motivated professionals. Our clients range from individuals, to businesses of all sizes, high net worth families and large multinational corporates and institutions. We’re passionate about creating growth in Africa. Bringing true, meaningful value to our clients and the communities we serve and creating a real sense of purpose for you.

Role Overview

The Head of Partnerships is a key leadership role responsible for driving strategic relationships that accelerate business growth within Merchant Solutions. This individual will oversee three core capabilities:

• Card Not Present (CNP) or eCommerce product offering – ensuring seamless CNP payments across all channels.
• Management of Payment Service Providers (PSPs) – overseeing relationships with key PSPs.
• Strategic partnerships for Merchant Solutions

This role will be instrumental in maximizing commercial uplift from partners, ensuring that strategic third parties contribute to the business’s long-term success. The Head of Partnerships will be responsible for achieving commercial targets and fostering critical partnerships that support the overarching goals of the Product House.

Minimum Qualification

• Business Commerce Degree

Experience Required

• Extensive experience (8+ years) in strategic partnerships, payments, and eCommerce solutions.
• Strong commercial acumen with a proven track record of achieving revenue targets.
• Deep understanding of PSPs, merchant solutions, payment processing, and eCommerce trends.
• Excellent negotiation, relationship management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to drive business strategy and influence at an executive level.
• Analytical mindset with expertise in financial modelling and performance tracking.

Strategic Partnership Management

• Develop and execute a partnership strategy that aligns with business objectives.
• Drive commercial negotiations with strategic partners to ensure favourable terms and mutual growth.
• Build and maintain high-impact relationships with PSPs, aggregators, and other strategic stakeholders.
• Ensure integration and alignment between partnerships and Merchant Solutions’ broader product offering.

Commercial Growth & Performance

• Identify opportunities for revenue expansion and optimize strategic partnerships for maximum commercial uplift.
• Oversee the achievement of revenue targets and ensure strategic partners contribute effectively.
• Analyze financial and commercial performance metrics related to partnerships and payment solutions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure efficient onboarding, management, and optimization of partner relationships.
• Identify opportunities for revenue expansion and optimize strategic partnerships for maximum commercial uplift.
• Oversee the achievement of revenue targets ensure strategic partners contribute effectively.
• Analyze financial and commercial performance metrics related to partnerships and payment solutions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure efficient onboarding, management, and optimization of partner relationships.

Product & Market Development

• Lead the development of new commercial models, ensuring that payment solutions remain competitive.
• Work closely with product teams to enhance eCommerce offerings and merchant solutions.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, new potential partnerships, and evolving payment technologies.

Stakeholder & Team Leadership

• Act as a thought leader in the payments and partnerships space, influencing strategic decisions.
• Lead and mentor a team responsible for partnership management, ensuring high performance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, operations, and sales teams to ensure partnership success.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Adopting Practical Approaches
• Challenging Ideas
• Convincing People
• Exploring Possibilities
• Generating Ideas

Technical Competencies:

• Client Business Case
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Financial Management (Financial)
• Innovation Leader
• IT Programme Management

Please note: All our recruitment processes comply with the applicable local laws and regulations.

We will never ask for money or any form of payment as part of our recruitment process. If you experience this, please contact our Fraud line on +27 800222050 or [email protected]