Head of Partnerships and Business Development - Pavelon

Pavelon is facilitating the  Affordable Smartphone Ownership for low and middle-income consumers in emerging markets.

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to the majority of the world’s poor people. Consumer research shows how the cost of an internet-enabled handset is a critical barrier to using mobile internet for low and middle-income consumers in emerging markets.

Smartphone adoption continues to see rapid growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, albeit from a relatively low base and despite affordability challenges. According to the GSMA, The total number of smartphone connections stood at 250 million at the end of 2017, equivalent to a third of the total connections base. This means that, as at 2018, over 800 million people living in sub-Saharan Africa do not have smartphones.

The Smartphone has the potential to be a great equalizing force, providing new opportunities and leveling the playing field through unprecedented access to information. But this potential will only be realized if no one is left behind.

Our mission is to Make Smartphones Affordable and Accessible for Everyone.

Through partnerships with key stakeholders in the Smartphone Value Chain and innovative technology, Pavelon is removing the barriers to Smartphone Ownership for low-income earners in Africa.

Pavelon Device Finance will allow users to apply for any phone of their choice, get approved and get the device of their dreams. Users will then pay monthly via mobile money or bank transfers until the device is fully paid for. Our service features smartphone insurance, remote tech support, and smartphone anti-theft technology.

Big challenges require big minds. Make an impact from anywhere.

We're interested in the rising stars with a worldly perspective, a deep interest in mobile technology, and an appetite for growth.

About the role

Pavelon is currently seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial Head of Partnerships and Business Development to lead the way in partnering with financial institutes, telecommunications companies, and other business entities.

This role will be instrumental in Pavelon’s growth, and we are looking for a leader who will be strategic and tactical in owning and building this area of our business.

You will be directly responsible for generating revenue from a variety of sources by developing new partnerships and growing existing relationships, coaching a team of business development and account management professionals, and bringing best practices into Pavelon. You should have experience building teams, defining and launching operational processes, and achieving revenue-based targets. As a member of the management team, the Partnerships and Business Development Director will be an organizational leader and have an incredible impact on Pavelon’s growth trajectory. Our ideal candidate has an impressive track record as a leader in sales, business development, or partnerships and a strong enthusiasm for Pavelon’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive partnership and business development strategies to increase revenue for Pavelon

• Identify opportunities for partnerships with entities who are excited to share in Pavelon’s mission and build meaningful, new relationships

• Define and progress partners through the Pavelon partnership lifecycle, achieving milestones to meet internal goals

• Structure, negotiate and close new partnership deals

• Manage and grow existing relationships with partners to maximize value on all sides

• Build infrastructure, processes, and best practices to support the work of partnership and business development, including the introduction of tools and systems as needed

• Work collaboratively with leaders across the organization to define and refine offerings to ensure quality for partners

• Oversee, grow, and train a team of business development and account management professionals

• Set, measure, and reach goals, plans, and KPIs for the partnerships and business development team

• Represent Pavelon externally, generating enthusiasm and new leads at every opportunity

• Oversee the ideation, planning, and production of revenue-generating events

Requirements

• At least 4 years of professional experience in business development, partnerships, and/or sales

• At least 1 year of experience in a management position, including responsibility for hiring and building business development, partnerships, and/or sales team

• Incredible relationship-builder with an ability to engage, connect and maintain relationships with a wide diversity of individuals

• Expert understanding of and well-developed skills in sales, partnerships, and business development, including identifying leads, building relationships, storytelling, negotiating, closing, account management, etc.  

• An experienced manager who has built a team and enjoys coaching, mentoring, and ensuring the successful performance of a team

• Proven track record of building new business relationships and signing significant deals

• Comfortable and capable with both developing strategies and rolling up your sleeves to execute on them

• Data-driven and results-focused

• Creative, flexible, and solution-oriented

• Extremely motivated and inspired by Pavelon’s mission

• Experience with startups an advantage