📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Business Development - Digital Partnerships - Telco
🔹 Company: Mastercard
🔹 Location: Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (with travel to Morocco and French Speaking West Africa)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: IT Services and IT Consulting
🔹 Date Posted: July 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with potential for hybrid work)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing strategic digital partnership TELCO accounts in Morocco and French Speaking West Africa
- Driving growth in Mastercard's market share and revenue with telco partners
- Executing partnership deals and developing innovative business models
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives
- Building and growing complex partnerships, including experience of taking a lead role in customer negotiation(s)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of commercial and business acumen, thought leadership, and strong interpersonal and communication skills to manage key accounts and drive growth.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Execute Strategic Account Commercial Deals and/or Strategic Partnership agreements
✅ Develop and sell new opportunities with strategic partners to accelerate business growth
✅ Own the co-creation and development of new business models, value propositions, and/or innovative ecosystems
✅ Collaborate with Mastercard cross-functional teams to identify new segment and product opportunities
✅ Develop views on competition positioning in the telco vertical and perform market research and opportunity assessments
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management and program execution skills to successfully manage multiple customer projects and deliverables.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred)
Experience: 10+ years of experience in executing and managing sales strategies for complex or large accounts, with a strong track record of building and growing complex partnerships
Required Skills:
- Fluency in English and French (Business Speaking)
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key influencers at customer/partner and internal stakeholders
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
- Strong commercial and business acumen
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic account plans and GTM deliverables
- Experience in core banking/financial industries and/or telco financial services
- Payment industry experience/understanding of payment & info flows
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the digital payments or fintech industry
- Knowledge of Mastercard's products and services
- Experience working with telco partners in Morocco and French Speaking West Africa
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the digital payments or fintech industry and knowledge of Mastercard's products and services may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Director-level role in the digital payments industry, experience level, and location)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with potential for flexible work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Mastercard operates in the IT Services and IT Consulting industry, focusing on global digital payments, technology, and innovative mobile payment solutions.
Company Size: Mastercard is a large corporation with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.
Founded: Mastercard was founded in 1966 and has since grown into a global leader in the digital payments industry.
Company Description:
- Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide.
- The company supports a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart, and accessible.
- Mastercard's technology and innovation, partnerships, and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses, and governments realize their greatest potential.
Company Specialties:
- Global digital payments/commerce
- Technology and innovative mobile payment solutions
- Processing
Company Website: http://www.mastercard.com
ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's extensive global presence and expertise in the digital payments industry make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to grow their careers in this field.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the Director level, reporting directly to the Head of Digital Partnerships for EEMEA.
Reporting Structure: The Director will manage a team of Business Development Managers focused on telco partnerships in the region.
Work Arrangement: The role is based in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, with frequent travel to Morocco and French Speaking West Africa. The work arrangement is on-site, with potential for hybrid work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand the role's scope and team size based on successful performance
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Career advancement opportunities within Mastercard's global organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand the role's scope, manage a team, and advance their career within Mastercard.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Mastercard's Abidjan office is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art technology and amenities.
Office Location(s): Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire (with travel to Morocco and French Speaking West Africa)
Geographic Context:
- Abidjan is the largest city and primary economic hub of Cote d’Ivoire, offering a vibrant urban environment with a mix of modern and traditional culture.
- Morocco and French Speaking West Africa have growing digital payments markets, presenting opportunities for business growth and innovation.
- The region has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is primarily Monday through Friday, with the possibility of flexible work arrangements and overtime as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The Abidjan office provides a modern and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development in the dynamic digital payments industry.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with cross-functional stakeholders
- Final interview with the Head of Digital Partnerships for EEMEA
Key Assessment Areas:
- Commercial acumen and business development skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Mastercard's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the digital payments industry and Mastercard's products and services
- Prepare examples of your past successes in building and growing complex partnerships
ATS Keywords: Business Development, Account Management, Partnerships, Sales Strategies, Negotiation, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Project Management, Financial Acumen, Market Research, Payment Industry Knowledge, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Leadership, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Customer Relationship Management, Strategic Planning, Digital Partnerships, Telco, Morocco, French Speaking West Africa, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
ASSUMPTION: Mastercard's recruitment process is thorough and competitive, with a focus on finding the best fit for the role and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Salesforce or similar CRM platform
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with sales and project management tools. Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms is preferred.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Doing the Right Thing
- Staying True to Ourselves
- Including Everyone
- Excelling Together
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and entrepreneurial
- Adaptable and resilient
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you embody Mastercard's values in your daily work?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment or priorities. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
- Can you provide an example of a successful partnership you've built and grown, and how your work style contributed to that success?
ASSUMPTION: Mastercard values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, seeking candidates who align with these principles and can thrive in a dynamic, global work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple customer projects and deliverables simultaneously
- Navigating cultural differences and language barriers in French Speaking West Africa
- Balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day tactical execution
- Adapting to a fast-paced and ever-changing industry
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on digital partnerships with telco providers in the EEMEA region
- Similar roles in other regions or industries may have different customer bases, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes
- Career progression in this role may lead to expanded responsibilities, team management, or regional leadership opportunities
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other business development and account management positions, its unique focus on digital partnerships with telco providers in the EEMEA region sets it apart.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic account plan for a key telco partner in Morocco, driving revenue growth and market share expansion
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to launch a new mobile payment product in French Speaking West Africa, leveraging a telco partnership
- Negotiating and executing a strategic partnership agreement with a telco provider, enabling Mastercard to enter a new market
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and results-driven nature of the role, requiring strong business acumen, communication skills, and partnership management expertise.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of Mastercard's telco partnerships in Morocco and French Speaking West Africa, and how this role will contribute to their growth and development?
- How does Mastercard support the professional development and career growth of its employees, particularly in roles like this one?
- Can you provide an example of a successful digital partnership that Mastercard has executed with a telco provider, and what factors contributed to its success?
- How does Mastercard approach cultural differences and language barriers in its global operations, and how can I best prepare to navigate these dynamics in this role?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how can I best position myself to make a significant impact during this period?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success, while also providing valuable information about the organization and its culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your commercial acumen, business development skills, and partnership management expertise
- Prepare examples of your past successes in building and growing complex partnerships, demonstrating your ability to drive revenue growth and market share expansion
- Familiarize yourself with Mastercard's products and services, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and values
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role and inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
