JOB DETAILS:
JOB PURPOSE
Manager, Business Integration & Strategic Partnerships plays a crucial role in identifying, establishing, and managing strategic alliances and partnerships that supports business growth, innovation, and competitive positioning of I&M Bank.
This role involves ensuring seamless integration of digital banking products with clients' infrastructure, driving the integration of new business models, technologies, and services, ensuring that partnerships align with the bank's strategic objectives, and collaborating with internal teams and external partners to implement solutions effectively

This role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing strategic partnerships with fintech, technology providers, and other stakeholders that enhance our banking products, services, and customer experience

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategy Development and Business Growth
• Lead the uptake and integration of client systems such as Java H2H for payments, B2B for collections, and Open API integrations.
• Drive and execute H2H (Payments Gateway) and B2B (Business Connect) product strategy for I&M Bank.

• Ensure successful execution of post-live integration of H2H and B2B solutions for payments and collections APIs.
• Collaborate with Relationship Managers to pitch and present collections and payments API integrations to new bank clients.

• Monitor H2H and B2B performance, including volume, value, and revenue generation.

Strategic Partnerships
• Develop and execute strategies for new partnership programs aimed at enhancing I&M Bank banking solutions.
• Develop and negotiate partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with business objectives and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key partners to drive mutual growth and maximize business value.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to manage partnerships post-deal and ensure seamless technical integration.
• Track and report on partnership performance, working to maximize revenue opportunities and minimize risks.

• Conduct regular business reviews with partners to ensure effective execution and alignment with I&M Bank’s strategic goals.
• Maintain internal dashboards for partnership tracking and business goal achievement.

Risk, Control & Governance
• Work closely with legal, compliance, and risk teams to ensure that all partnerships meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Mitigate potential risks related to business integration, ensuring proper due diligence and risk assessments are conducted before partnership agreements are finalized.

• Monitor the performance and compliance of strategic partners and address any issues or challenges that may arise.
• Work closely with ICT, legal, and compliance teams to ensure integrations meet technical and regulatory specifications.
• Perform security assessments for each client API with the Information Security team

Stakeholder Engagement
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to gather insights and drive collaborative efforts.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and other forums to promote innovation and thought leadership.

• Conduct client-facing training on API integrations, Open Banking, and ensure internal teams are well-equipped to support integrations.
• Draft integration documentation (BRDs, customer agreements, brochures, etc.) for review and approval.

• Develop and maintain project plans, integration trackers, and weekly reports on integration status.
• Oversee integration issue tracking, risk management, and project budgets.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, including business development, technology, product management, and legal teams, to ensure successful integration of new initiatives and solutions.
• Oversee the execution of partnership projects from inception to completion, ensuring timelines, milestones, and KPIs are met.

Reporting & Performance Metrics:
• Track and report on the progress of partnership initiatives and integrations, providing regular updates to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Define and measure key performance indicators (KPIs) for each partnership to ensure value creation and business impact.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for executive leadership on the status, risks, and opportunities associated with strategic partnerships.

Minimum Education Qualification:
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Management, Finance, Technology, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP, Agile).
• A master’s degree or MBA is preferred.

Work Experience:
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in business development, partnership management, or strategic initiatives within the banking, fintech, or financial services sectors
• Proven experience in managing complex partnerships and integrations, particularly in a regulated environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and compliance standards in the banking sector
• Strong understanding of the banking industry, digital banking transformation, and emerging fintech trends.
• Experience in negotiating and managing strategic agreements, with a focus on driving value and mutual growth.

Required Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and complex integrations.
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• In-depth understanding of business processes, operational integration, and technology adoption in the banking sector.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, contract negotiation, and business case development.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage change and uncertainty.
• Ability to work collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders to drive results.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain, digital banking, cloud computing) and their applications in the banking industry.
• Analytical and data-driven approach to problem-solving.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify and evaluate market opportunities, assess competitive threats, and develop innovative business models and strategies.
• Deep understanding of the banking ecosystem, and the ability to build and maintain successful relationships with external stakeholders like fintechs, technology providers, regulators etc.

Personal Attributes:
• Strategic thinker with a creative mindset for identifying new business opportunities.
• Strong commitment to client satisfaction and continuous improvement
• Adaptable and agile, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to motivate and inspire.
• Resilient and adaptable, able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.