Senior Business Development Manager – Kenya

About the role

Visa is seeking a seasoned senior manager to lead business development initiatives in Kenya. You will drive growth across key segments, deepen relationships with major banks, fintechs and merchants, and support strategic initiatives across issuing, acquiring and acceptance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and execute defined market segments and accounts.
• Drive consultative, value‑based selling and pipeline development.
• Deepen engagement with Tier 1 banks, fintechs, merchants and ecosystem partners.
• Support execution of strategic initiatives across issuing, acquiring and acceptance.
• Provide leadership depth and continuity within the Kenya team.
• Improve coverage of high‑value clients and opportunities.
• Increase wallet share and client retention.
• Prioritise and execute market initiatives effectively.
• Reduce execution bottlenecks and manage escalation risks.
• Maintain clear ownership of accounts and programs.
• Enhance team coaching, performance management and resilience.

Required profile

• 10+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree (or 8+ years with an advanced degree, or 3+ years with a PhD).
• Fluent written and spoken Portuguese.
• Minimum 6 years experience in banking, financial services, payments, mobile networks or fintech.
• Essential card‑payment experience.
• Tertiary qualification in business or marketing (preferably MBA).
• Proven ability to liaise with senior international bankers.
• Strong knowledge of Visa, other payment systems and card products.
• Commercial orientation, multicultural sensitivity and ability to manage indirect reporting relationships.

Required skills

• Card payments
• Payment systems