Head of API Sales at Peridot Forte Solutions Consulting

Job Summary

• Our client is seeking a Head of API Sales to lead the acquisition and activation of high-volume merchants, drive transaction growth, and scale API-based payment solutions across multiple markets.

Job Description

• The Head of API Sales will lead and scale the company’s B2B API sales function, driving revenue growth, cross-border transaction adoption, and market expansion across Africa and beyond.
• This role focuses on building, mentoring, and guiding a high-performing team of Sales Executives, Business Development Officers, and Marketing Specialists to increase awareness and adoption of API-based payment solutions.
• The role focuses on forging strategic partnerships, unlocking new revenue streams, and delivering seamless API integrations, blending strategic vision with hands-on execution to expand the company’s footprint in new markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing API sales team, driving the acquisition, onboarding, and activation of high-volume merchants across multiple countries.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of 1,000+ qualified high-volume leads, with a focus on merchants processing $1M+ in monthly cross-border transactions.
• Oversee the execution of product demos and technical presentations for prospective merchants to showcase API capabilities and value in cross-border payments.
• Drive the onboarding of new API merchants, ensuring smooth go-live and transaction commencement, while optimizing onboarding timelines for efficiency.
• Activate high-value merchants within the pipeline, expanding transaction volumes and market reach across regions.
• Develop, implement, and scale a repeatable API merchant acquisition playbook for all B2B products, incorporating best practices for cross-border payments.
• Expand business operations into new African and international markets, unlocking cross-border transaction opportunities for merchants.
• Create case studies and success stories highlighting the business value of API integrations and payment solutions.
• Manage cross-functional collaboration across Sales, Product, Engineering, and Compliance to ensure seamless API launches and a superior merchant experience.
• Balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, addressing challenges in engaging multiple stakeholders, both business and developer-focused, across geographies.
• Continuously improve processes to reduce sales cycles, accelerate onboarding, and maximize merchant adoption in a multi-country context.

Requirements

• First degree in business, marketing, finance or a related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in business development or B2B sales, with a proven track record of driving user acquisition, revenue growth, and strategic partnerships across multiple markets.
• 4 years of experience leading high-performing sales, business development, growth, or partnership teams in fintech, cross-border payments, or crypto sectors.
• Hands-on experience selling technical products, managing long sales cycles, and navigating complex cross-border payment solutions for businesses and developers.
• Strong understanding of payment APIs, developer tools, and how businesses leverage them to facilitate international transactions.
• Proven ability to motivate and drive teams to consistently exceed ambitious targets, while managing multi-country operations and stakeholders.
• A natural relationship builder, capable of engaging both strategic decision-makers and technical stakeholders across different regions.
• Strong connections and credibility with key players in finance, banking, and fintech across multiple countries.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills to foster long-term, cross-border partnerships.
• A passion for innovation, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environments.
• Self-starter mindset with the initiative to identify international growth opportunities and execute independently.