Growth and Partnerships Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Growth and Partnerships Manager

🔹 Company: M-KOPA

🔹 Location: Kampala, Uganda

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Financial Services

🔹 Date Posted: July 2, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Architecting and leading transformative collaborations to shape M-KOPA's strategic trajectory
• Driving cross-functional collaboration with Sales and Operations teams
• Ensuring every alliance delivers measurable commercial results that advance M-KOPA's mission of digital and financial inclusion
• Working at the intersection of innovation and impact
• Orchestrating complex partnership projects and driving customer acquisition and commercial performance

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution. The ideal candidate will have experience leading high-profile collaborations and understand how partnerships can influence sales processes and commercial strategy.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Architect and lead transformative collaborations that shape M-KOPA's strategic trajectory

✅ Drive cross-functional collaboration with Sales and Operations teams

✅ Ensure every alliance delivers measurable commercial results that advance M-KOPA's mission of digital and financial inclusion

✅ Design and execute initiatives that align with M-KOPA's vision, working closely with cross-functional teams

✅ Implement robust processes, conduct thorough post-project evaluations, and prepare insightful reports to shape partnership strategy

✅ Identify risks and craft proactive mitigation strategies

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of strategic planning and project management. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic environment and have a proven track record of driving business growth and social impact through partnerships.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in project management, Business Administration, or a related field

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in strategic partnership management, with a focus on driving commercial growth and customer acquisition

Required Skills:

• Strategic vision
• Project management
• Partnership management
• Data analysis
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Customer acquisition
• Commercial strategy
• Risk management
• Performance evaluation
• Team inspiration
• Innovation
• Continuous improvement
• Financial inclusion
• PAYGO industry knowledge
• Communication

Preferred Skills:

• PMP Certification
• Experience in the financial inclusion sector

ASSUMPTION: While experience in the PAYGO industry or financial inclusion sector is preferred, M-KOPA is open to candidates from other relevant backgrounds who can demonstrate a strong understanding of the sector and its challenges.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is not provided. However, based on industry standards for a mid-senior level role in the financial services sector in Kampala, Uganda, the estimated salary range is UGX 50,000,000 - UGX 70,000,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Diverse development programs
• Coaching partnerships
• On-the-job training
• Family-friendly policies
• Prioritization of well-being and flexibility

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours, Monday to Friday

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. M-KOPA offers a competitive benefits package to attract and retain top talent.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: M-KOPA operates in the financial services sector, with a focus on financial inclusion and digital connectivity in emerging markets.

Company Size: M-KOPA is a mid-sized company with 1,001-5,000 employees globally, making it large enough to offer significant growth opportunities but small enough for employees to have a real impact on the company's direction.

Founded: M-KOPA was founded in 2011 and has since grown to serve over 5 million customers across Africa, unlocking $1.5 billion in cumulative credit for the unbanked.

Company Description:

• M-KOPA is a UK-headquartered emerging market fintech that provides affordable smartphones and digital financial services
• The company has operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda
• M-KOPA uses an innovative financing model based on daily repayments to provide affordable smartphones embedded with financial services
• The company employs over 3,000 staff and 30,000 sales agents across its African markets

Company Specialties:

• Smartphones
• Fintech
• Digital finance
• Technology
• Financial inclusion
• Digital connectivity
• Emerging markets
• E-mobility
• Impact

Company Website: m-kopa.com

ASSUMPTION: M-KOPA's mission is to make financing for everyday essentials accessible to everyone. The company's unique business model and commitment to financial inclusion make it an attractive employer for candidates interested in making a social impact through their work.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, requiring a significant amount of experience and expertise in strategic partnership management.

Reporting Structure: The Growth and Partnerships Manager will report directly to the Head of Operations.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with standard office hours, Monday to Friday. However, the nature of the role may require occasional flexibility to accommodate partnership needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• M-KOPA's rapid growth and expansion into new markets offer significant opportunities for career advancement
• The company's commitment to employee development and coaching partnerships provides ample opportunities for professional growth
• The diverse nature of the role offers the opportunity to gain experience in various aspects of business strategy and operations

ASSUMPTION: Given M-KOPA's growth trajectory and commitment to employee development, this role presents an excellent opportunity for career growth and advancement within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: M-KOPA's Kampala office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): Kampala, Uganda

Geographic Context:

• Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda, with a population of over 1.5 million people
• The city is a major commercial hub and the economic capital of Uganda
• Kampala offers a vibrant cultural scene, with a mix of modern amenities and traditional African charm

Work Schedule: Standard office hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility as needed

ASSUMPTION: Kampala's status as a major commercial hub and M-KOPA's central location in the city make it an ideal base for the company's operations in Uganda.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with senior leadership
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Partnership management experience
• Cross-functional collaboration skills
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Cultural fit with M-KOPA's values and mission

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your strategic partnership management experience and how it aligns with M-KOPA's mission and values
• Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your experience driving commercial growth and customer acquisition through partnerships
• Demonstrate your understanding of M-KOPA's business model and the challenges and opportunities facing the financial inclusion sector in emerging markets

ATS Keywords: Strategic partnership management, commercial growth, customer acquisition, financial inclusion, emerging markets, data analysis, cross-functional collaboration

ASSUMPTION: M-KOPA's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, partnership management experience, and cultural fit with the company's values and mission. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of M-KOPA's business model and the challenges and opportunities facing the financial inclusion sector in emerging markets.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace)
• Customer relationship management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the candidate's experience and the needs of the partnership projects they are working on.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Progress: M-KOPA is committed to driving progress towards a more inclusive and connected world
• Innovation: The company fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
• Collaboration: M-KOPA values collaboration and teamwork, both internally and with external partners

Work Style:

• Strategic: This role requires a strategic mindset and the ability to think critically about partnership opportunities and risks
• Collaborative: The role involves working closely with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Adaptable: The dynamic nature of the role requires the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you align with M-KOPA's values of progress, innovation, and collaboration?
• Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with changing priorities?
• Do you have experience driving commercial growth and customer acquisition through partnerships in a financial services context?

ASSUMPTION: M-KOPA's values and work style require candidates who are strategic thinkers, comfortable working in a dynamic environment, and experienced in driving commercial growth and customer acquisition through partnerships in a financial services context.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The dynamic nature of the role may require occasional flexibility in working hours to accommodate partnership needs
• The role involves working with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally, which can present unique challenges in terms of communication and collaboration
• The financial inclusion sector in emerging markets is a complex and rapidly evolving landscape, requiring candidates to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments
• M-KOPA's commitment to driving progress and innovation may require candidates to challenge the status quo and think creatively about partnership opportunities

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges present unique opportunities for growth and impact, they also require candidates to be adaptable, strategic thinkers, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional partnership management roles, this role requires a deep understanding of how partnerships can influence sales processes and commercial strategy
• The financial inclusion sector in emerging markets presents unique challenges and opportunities that require candidates to think strategically about partnership opportunities
• This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and advancement within M-KOPA, given the company's rapid expansion and commitment to employee development

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on driving commercial growth and customer acquisition through partnerships in the financial inclusion sector in emerging markets. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their strategic thinking and partnership management experience in this specific context.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic partnership plan to drive customer acquisition and commercial growth in a new market
• Orchestrating a complex cross-functional project to integrate a new partner's services into M-KOPA's existing product suite
• Conducting a thorough post-project evaluation and preparing an insightful report to shape M-KOPA's partnership strategy

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, cross-functional, and data-driven nature of the role, as well as the opportunity to drive real commercial growth and social impact through partnerships.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the most significant partnership project you've led and the impact it had on commercial growth and customer acquisition?
• How do you approach identifying and mitigating risks in complex partnership projects?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to challenge the status quo to drive progress and innovation in a partnership?
• What opportunities do you see for career growth and advancement within M-KOPA, given the company's rapid expansion and commitment to employee development?
• How do you balance the need for strategic planning and execution with the dynamic nature of the role and the changing priorities of partnership projects?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, partnership management experience, and cultural fit with M-KOPA's values and mission. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the role's unique challenges and opportunities and a clear vision for driving commercial growth and social impact through partnerships.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the M-KOPA careers page
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your strategic partnership management experience and how it aligns with M-KOPA's mission and values
• Prepare for your interview by researching M-KOPA's business model and the challenges and opportunities facing the financial inclusion sector in emerging markets
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.