Lead, Cards at Airtel

• The Card Manager will be responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of card products and services at Smartcash PSB
• This role involves strategic planning, collaboration with various departments, and ensuring the successful delivery of innovative card solutions that meet customer needs and drive business growth.

Responsibilities

Product Development

• Develop and implement strategic plans for card product growth and market penetration.
• Lead the design and development of card products, including debit and prepaid cards.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and customer preferences in card offerings.
• Collaborate with the technology team to ensure seamless integration of card services.

Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement strategic plans for card product growth and market penetration.
• Monitor performance metrics and adjust strategies as necessary to achieve business goals.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure all card products comply with industry regulations and internal policies.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes affecting card operations.

Partnership Management

• Build and maintain relationships with card networks, vendors, and financial institutions.
• Negotiate contracts and manage partnerships to enhance product offerings.

Budget Management

• Prepare and manage the budget for card services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability.

Reporting and Analysis

• Analyze sales data and market trends to provide actionable insights for decision-making.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on card performance and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

Educational Qualifications & Functional / Technical Skills

• MSc/ bachelor’s degree.

Relevant Experience

• 5 - 7 years’ experience in engaging with the various Card Schemes in Nigeria as well as the various Card Processors (TPPs).
• Experience in managing card products (debit, prepaid, virtual)
• Ability to lead card lifecycle management (issuance, activation, blocking, etc.)
• Strong understanding of CBN regulations, NIBSS, NDIC, and local compliance frameworks
• Ability to ensure product compliance with KYC/AML policies
• Familiarity with card schemes (Visa, Mastercard, Verve)
• Understanding of switching platforms, transaction processing, and settlement
• Knowledge of PCI-DSS and ISO standards
• Ability to develop and implement go-to-market strategies
• Conduct market and competitor analysis
• Align product features with customer needs and business objectives
• Experience working with card issuance vendors, core banking, and API integrations
• Comfort with digital banking platforms, mobile app card management, and self-service tools

Skills

• Have deep understanding of the fintech domain as well as an understanding for card architecture.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving ability to improve product performance
• Ability to engage cross-functional teams (Tech, Operations, Risk, Compliance, Marketing)
• Experience managing timelines, resources, and product rollout schedules
• Clear written and verbal communication for reporting, documentation, and team collaboration
• Ability to prioritize user experience and resolve customer-related card issues efficiently
• Capable of driving innovation in card features and responding quickly to market changes
• Must be knowledgeable about the Card Regulations in Nigeria