Lead, Cards at Airtel Nigeria

Airtel Nigeria (Airtel Networks Limited) is a leading telecommunications services provider in Nigeria headquartered in Lagos, the commercial nerve-centre of Nigeria. The telco ranks amongst the top four mobile service providers in terms of subscribers with a customer base of more than 39.8 million. The company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce and enterprise services.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Lead, Cards

Job Identification: 495
Location: Lagos
Job Type: Full-time

Job Description

• The Card Manager will be responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of card products and services at Smartcash PSB
• This role involves strategic planning, collaboration with various departments, and ensuring the successful delivery of innovative card solutions that meet customer needs and drive business growth.

Responsibilities

Partnership Management:

• Build and maintain relationships with card networks, vendors, and financial institutions.
• Negotiate contracts and manage partnerships to enhance product offerings.

Budget Management:

• Prepare and manage the budget for card services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Analyze sales data and market trends to provide actionable insights for decision-making.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on card performance and strategic initiatives.

Product Development:

• Develop and implement strategic plans for card product growth and market penetration.
• Lead the design and development of card products, including debit and prepaid cards.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and customer preferences in card offerings.
• Collaborate with the technology team to ensure seamless integration of card services.

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement strategic plans for card product growth and market penetration.
• Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies as necessary to achieve business goals.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure all card products comply with industry regulations and internal policies.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes affecting card operations.

Qualifications
Educational Qualifications & Functional / Technical Skills:

• MSc / Bachelor’s Degree.

Relevant Experience:

• 5 - 7 years’ experience in engaging with the various Card Schemes in Nigeria as well as the various Card Processors (TPPs).
• Experience in managing card products (debit, prepaid, virtual)
• Ability to lead card lifecycle management (issuance, activation, blocking, etc.)
• Ability to develop and implement go-to-market strategies
• Conduct market and competitor analysis
• Align product features with customer needs and business objectives
• Experience working with card issuance vendors, core banking, and API integrations
• Comfort with digital banking platforms, mobile app card management, and self-service tools
• Strong understanding of CBN regulations, NIBSS, NDIC, and local compliance frameworks
• Ability to ensure product compliance with KYC/AML policies
• Familiarity with card schemes (Visa, Mastercard, Verve)
• Understanding of switching platforms, transaction processing, and settlement
• Knowledge of PCI-DSS and ISO standards

Skills:

• Have a deep understanding of the fintech domain as well as an understanding of card architecture.
• Ability to prioritize user experience and resolve customer-related card issues efficiently
• Capable of driving innovation in card features and responding quickly to market changes
• Must be knowledgeable about the Card Regulations in Nigeria.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving ability to improve product performance
• Ability to engage cross-functional teams (Tech, Operations, Risk, Compliance, Marketing)
• Experience managing timelines, resources, and product rollout schedules
• Clear written and verbal communication for reporting, documentation, and team collaboration

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply

Application Deadline  6th June, 2025; 06:00 PM.