The Business Partnerships Lead is responsible for identifying, developing, executing, and managing strategic Fixed Data services partnership opportunities that drive growth, innovation, and market expansion. Reporting to the Director of Fixed Business, this role is critical in building robust partner ecosystems across Fixed platforms, property managers, ISP providers, and regulatory bodies. The role holder will work with internal and external partners to co-create and sustain commercially viable products and business models that scale Safaricom’s Fixed Data offerings.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Partnership Development
- Strategy Design: Collaborate with commercial leads to translate business and product strategies into partner strategies that accelerate delivery of value proposition roadmaps.
- Opportunity Identification: Evaluate and prioritize specific opportunities, developing business cases (strategic rationales and economics) and negotiating partnership terms.
- Performance Monitoring: Track partnership efficacy post-close and maintain ongoing relationships to ensure compliance and fulfillment of commitments.
- Networking: Maintain a network of industry relationships (partners, competitors, investors, thought leaders) to identify and execute opportunities.
- Pipeline Management: Develop and maintain a partner pipeline, measuring success through the ability to turn ideas into successful businesses and drive revenue impact.
- Market Intelligence: Stay updated on competitive dynamics, product trends, and network trends (e.g., 5G backhauling) locally and globally.
- Negotiation: Lead negotiations and structure partnership agreements that deliver mutual value.
- Innovation Scouting: Identify emerging fixed data trends and startups for potential collaboration, representing the company in industry forums and innovation hubs.
- M&A Support: Support merger and acquisition or investment opportunities related to strategic partnerships.
- Compliance: Uphold the Safaricom code of conduct, safety, and health policies in all actions.
Stakeholder and Team Management
- Relationship Management: Maintain strong ties with key stakeholders across the Safaricom Fixed Data and partner ecosystem.
- Internal Collaboration: Work with other tribes, clusters, and Centers of Excellence (CoEs) to foster a holistic approach to Safaricom’s products.
- Cultural Leadership: Role model inclusivity, build trust, and promote knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the team.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with commercial qualifications. An MBA or relevant Master’s degree is considered an added advantage.
- Experience: At least six (6) years of experience in partner management, business development, or business channel development.
- Domain Expertise: At least three (3) years of experience building partnerships within the Fixed Data sector and with Regional Systems Integrators.
- Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of digital platforms, Fixed Internet solution systems, and operational processes.
- Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of Fixed Internet industry regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices.
- Analytical Skills: Strategic thinker with an analytical mind and superior business understanding.
- Professionalism: High professional and ethical standards.
- Track Record: Proven experience in closing high-impact deals and managing partner ecosystems.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the Safaricom recruitment portal on the Oracle Cloud platform. You can access the application page directly by following this link: https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1163928. Ensure you complete your profile and attach the necessary documents as required.
