Business Development Manager – Partnerships

PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Head of Business Development, the role holder will drive the growth and execution of CIC Asset Management’s retail strategy by building, managing, and expanding strategic distribution partnerships. The role focuses on three core verticals: Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs), fintech aggregators, and institutional partners (including banks and cooperatives). The Business Development Manager – Partnerships will coordinate partner onboarding, engagement, and performance tracking to unlock new Assets Under Management (AUM), deepen channel diversification, and ensure scalable client acquisition through third-party networks.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partnership Development & Management

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard high-potential strategic partners, including fintech platforms, banks, diaspora aggregators, and Independent Financial Advisors (IFA).
• Design and implement mutually beneficial partnership models white-label solutions, embedded investing, and referral structures.
• Lead contract negotiation, onboarding documentation, training, and go-to-market alignment for new partners.
• Maintain strong partner relationships through structured engagement plans, reviews, and strategic alignment meetings.

IFA Channel Activation

• Execute the phased strategy for IFA growth including recruitment, segmentation, training, certification, and performance management.
• Provide operational support and tools to IFAs to help them drive client acquisition and conversions across diverse counties and diaspora channels.
• Monitor IFA performance metrics (e.g. AUM generated, client activity, retention) and address bottlenecks to productivity.

Go-to-Market Strategy & Campaigns

• Collaborate with Marketing, Product, and Digital teams to co-create campaigns that drive retail growth through partner ecosystems.
• Champion adoption and activation of CIC Invest App, APIs, and other digital investment journeys among partners and IFAs.
• Ensure tailored messaging and product positioning to match the needs of partners’ customer segments (mass market, diaspora, youth, HNWIs).

Performance Tracking & Reporting

• Define KPIs and dashboards to monitor partner/channel contribution to AUM growth, client retention, and engagement.
• Generate and present monthly performance reports, insights, and proposals to the Head of Business Development and ExCo.
• Leverage analytics to optimize product-channel fit and drive campaign adjustments for underperforming partnerships.

Compliance, Training & Partner Enablement

• Ensure all partners and IFAs operate within regulatory guidelines and adhere to CIC’s operational standards.
• Coordinate onboarding, compliance training, and refresher workshops in collaboration with the Compliance and Operations teams.
• Serve as the escalation point for partner-related issues and ensure timely resolution and feedback loops.

Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Ensure all business development activities, sales practices, and partnership engagements comply with internal policies, CMA regulations, and industry best practices.
• Participate in internal and external audit processes by providing documentation, explanations, and implementing corrective actions.
• Proactively identify and mitigate business risks associated with distribution, onboarding, and client servicing.

Key Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behavioural Competencies
Academic and Professional Requirements

• Education    Bachelor’s Degree    Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Actuarial science, or related field.
• Master’s degree or professional certification (ICIFA, CISI ) is an added advantage

 Experience Required:

 Description    Required years of experience

• Experience in business development, financial services, fintech partnerships, or distribution management.    7+
• Proven track record of building and growing B2B2C partnerships or sales networks in financial services.