Business Development Director

Our client is a leading global provider of local mobile-first payments solutions. Global brands including Amazon, DAZN, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, Sony, Spotify, and Tencent rely on them to reach millions of new paying consumers who do not use credit cards, through a purpose-built payment network of over 250 local payment methods that reach 7 billion accounts across 65 countries. Each year, they process over $9 billion in value for their customers. Founded in 2008, our client is headquartered in London and San Francisco, with employees spread across 39 countries, including Brazil, China, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, and the UAE. They are a truly global company that values diversity and a thriving, equal-opportunity workplace.

Summary:

• They are seeking an experienced Business Development Director to join their Expansion Team in Europe.
  
• This role involves managing relationships with issuers (MNOs, A2A, e-wallets, payment service providers, local payment method providers, and schemes) and working with merchants on projects requiring local expertise and account management to support strategic business expansion in the region.
  
• This is a visible, strategic role that will define payment strategies and drive growth in Europe.
  
• The successful candidate will act as the key commercial interface, responsible for identifying, engaging, developing, onboarding, and managing new and existing partners.
  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Business Development & Partner Management

• Develop strategies to grow payment opportunities in Europe.
  
• Understand the European payments landscape to identify, qualify, develop, and execute the supply pipeline for payment methods (e.g., e-wallets, A2A, carriers).
  
• Ensure smooth partner onboarding and service launches, adhering to business ethics, audit standards, and regulatory guidelines.
  
• Negotiate with partners to optimize conversion, improve pricing, and manage operational contract details, invoicing, and settlement issues.
  
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers within MNOs, e-wallets, A2A providers, and merchants.
  
• Act as the primary problem-solver for partners regarding mobile payments.
  
• Possess knowledge of regulatory frameworks related to licensing, settlement, and banking to lead discussions with payment authorities, partners, and banks.
  
• Navigate and negotiate business models with industry leaders to ensure long-term partnerships and support growth ambitions.
  
• Take responsibility for achieving quarterly targets and KPIs.
  

2. Interaction and Communication

• Collaborate with EMEA management to develop and align on payment strategies and business objectives.
  
• Work closely with internal teams (e.g., Product, Project, Legal, Finance, Sales, Account Management, Tax, Regulatory, and Banking) to finalize contracts and complete technical integrations with payment partners.
  
• Serve as an advocate for partners within the organization and act as their ambassador.
  

Requirements

• A university degree/diploma in a relevant field, preferably Business Administration, Sales, or Marketing.
  
• A minimum of 5+ years of experience in business development, project management, product development, payments, remittance, or aggregation.
  
• Strong advantage if experienced in Payment, Telco, eCommerce, or FinTech sectors, ideally in Mobile Payments, Alternative Payments, or Local Payment Methods.
  
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills and the ability to work well with internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Experience supporting technical partnerships and integrations.
  
• Effective multitasking, analytical, and organizational skills.
  
• Proficiency in presentation and data analysis.
  
• Familiarity with BI tools (e.g., Tableau) and JIRA is a plus.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; other languages are a plus.
  
• Ability to travel for meetings and engagements.
  

Benefits

• Stock options in the publicly listed company.
  
• Home office equipment budget.
  
• Flexible remote working contract.
  
• The opportunity to collaborate with well-known names in the banking, internet, digital, and gaming industries.
  
• Personal development, growth, and learning opportunities within an international team.
  
• Independence in defining the role, with the freedom to take initiative and responsibility.
  
• A variety of learning and development opportunities.