Head, Business Development

COMPANY: MICROFINANCE BANK (LAGOS)

JOB VACANCY: HEAD, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

 

Position: Head, Business Development

Reports to: The Managing Director

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Employment Type: Full-Time

Application Deadline: 31 October 2026

About the Bank

This is a microfinance bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), committed to expanding access to inclusive financial services for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and low-income households. The Bank is entering a new phase of growth, with a strategy built on technology-enabled financial inclusion, disciplined credit and strong governance.

As part of this strategy, the Board seeks to appoint a seasoned and commercially driven Head, Business Development who will be responsible for driving sustainable business growth, expanding the Bank's customer base, developing strategic relationships and increasing revenue while maintaining sound credit and risk discipline. Role Summary

Lead the Bank's business development and growth agenda by identifying and converting viable business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships and expanding the Bank's customer and deposit base.

The successful candidate will develop and execute business development strategies across the Bank's target markets, with particular emphasis on MSMEs, retail customers, corporate relationships and other underserved segments. The role will work closely with Credit, Risk, Operations, Finance, Marketing and Technology to ensure that business growth is commercially viable, customer-focused and consistent with the Bank's risk appetite and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities ·       Business Development Strategy - Develop and implement the Bank's business development strategy in line with its strategic objectives, financial targets and approved business plan. Translate strategic goals into measurable acquisition, revenue and portfolio growth targets. ·       Customer Acquisition - Identify, develop and convert new business opportunities across target customer segments, including MSMEs, retail customers, professionals, cooperatives, associations and other viable market segments. ·       Market Development - Conduct market research and identify emerging opportunities, customer needs, competitor activities and underserved market segments. Develop practical strategies for entering and expanding within attractive markets. ·       Deposit Mobilisation - Develop and execute strategies for growing the Bank's deposit base through targeted customer acquisition, relationship management, partnerships and appropriate deposit products. ·       Loan Portfolio Growth - Work closely with the Credit function to develop a healthy and sustainable loan pipeline while ensuring that business development activities remain within the Bank's approved credit policies, risk appetite and lending parameters. ·       Relationship Management - Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers, MSMEs, corporate organisations, professional groups, associations and strategic partners. Ensure that important relationships are actively managed and developed. ·       Strategic Partnerships - Identify and develop partnerships that can create new customer acquisition channels, distribution opportunities, revenue streams or financial inclusion opportunities for the Bank. ·       Sales Performance Management - Establish business development targets, activity plans and performance indicators for the business development and relationship management team. Monitor performance and take corrective action where targets are not being achieved. ·       Product Development - Work with Management, Credit, Operations and Technology to identify customer needs and recommend products and services that address market opportunities while remaining commercially viable and operationally practical. ·       Customer Retention and Growth - Develop strategies for retaining existing customers, increasing customer activity and identifying opportunities for cross-selling and up-selling appropriate banking products and services. ·       Revenue Generation - Drive growth in interest income, fees, commissions and other approved revenue streams while ensuring that revenue-generating activities are consistent with the Bank's policies and regulatory requirements. ·       Financial Inclusion - Identify opportunities to extend the Bank's services to underserved individuals, businesses and communities in line with the Bank's financial inclusion objectives. ·       Business Intelligence and Reporting - Prepare regular business development reports covering customer acquisition, deposits, loan pipeline, conversions, revenue, partnerships, market trends and performance against targets. ·       Cross-Functional Collaboration - Work closely with Credit, Risk, Operations, Finance, Compliance, IT and Marketing to ensure that business opportunities are efficiently processed and that customer acquisition does not compromise the Bank's control environment. ·       Customer Experience - Work with relevant functions to identify customer pain points and improve the customer journey from prospecting and onboarding through to account usage, retention and relationship growth. ·       Team Leadership and Development - Lead, coach and develop the business development team. Establish clear expectations, provide regular performance feedback and build a high-performance sales and relationship-management culture. Requirements

·       A recognised degree or higher diploma in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Economics, Banking or a related field.

·       Minimum of six years' relevant experience in business development, sales, relationship management, banking, microfinance or related financial services, including at least two years in a supervisory or management capacity.

·       Demonstrable experience in customer acquisition, deposit mobilisation, business development, relationship management and revenue generation.

·       Strong understanding of MSME banking, retail financial services and the needs of underserved customers.

·       Proven ability to develop and convert business opportunities and build a sustainable customer pipeline.

·       Experience managing business development or sales teams with measurable performance targets.

·       Strong understanding of banking products, credit processes and the relationship between business development and credit risk.

·       Demonstrable ability to analyse market opportunities, customer data, sales performance and business trends.

·       Strong relationship management, negotiation and presentation skills.

·       Working proficiency in CRM systems, spreadsheets and business performance dashboards.

·       Ability to prepare clear business proposals, management reports and commercial presentations.

·       Relevant professional qualification in banking, marketing, sales, business development or a related discipline will be an advantage.

·       Demonstrated integrity, commercial judgement and strong corporate governance orientation.

Desired Attributes

•      Experience launching new financial products, customer acquisition initiatives or alternative distribution channels.

•      Strong understanding of Lagos and Nigerian financial services markets.

•      Experience developing strategic partnerships and institutional relationships.

•      Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify profitable growth opportunities.

•      Excellent negotiation, communication and presentation capabilities.

•      Strong analytical, strategic planning and execution skills.

•      Ability to balance aggressive business growth with responsible lending and sound risk management.

•      Strong leadership, coaching and team-development capabilities.

Terms of Appointment

•      The appointment is shall be subject to a probationary period of six (6) months commencing from your effective date of employment

•      Remuneration is competitive and commensurate with experience, in line with the Bank's approved remuneration policy.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following documents by email to the email address provided, with the subject line “Application – Head, Business Development

•      Copies of academic and professional credentials, including microfinance certification.

•      A cover letter stating suitability for the role.

Applications close on 31 October 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.

This Microfinance Bank is an equal opportunity employer.