Head of FSP Partnerships, Fintech

Optasia; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Optasia is seeking a Senior Financial Services Strategist to drive innovative solutions within their multicultural team. This role involves leading the formulation of financial services strategies while managing relationships with financial partners across various territories. Ideal candidates will possess over 8 years of experience in financial services, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lead high-performing teams. Apply for competitive remuneration and an engaging work environment with opportunities for growth.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Extra day off on your birthday

Performance-based bonus scheme

Comprehensive private healthcare insurance

All necessary tech gear

Multicultural working environment

Career growth opportunities

Continuous training and online learning access

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years in financial services strategy, negotiations, and cross-market growth.
• Fluency in French is required.
• Experience leading high-performing teams and setting KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial services strategy aligned with business goals.
• Negotiate and structure deals with financial institutions.
• Create and maintain relationships with financial partners.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Risk Assessment

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Finance, Business Administration, Economics

MBA or CFA

Job description

Optasia

is a fully-integrated B2B2X financial technology platform covering scoring, financial decisioning, disbursement, and collection. We provide a versatile AI Platform powering financial inclusion, delivering responsible financing decision-making, and driving a superior business model and strong customer experience with presence in 30 countries anchored by 7 regional offices.

We are seeking enthusiastic professionals with energy, results-driven attitude, and a can-do mindset who want to be part of a team delivering innovative solutions in an exciting environment.

What You Will Do

• Lead the formulation of the financial services strategy aligned with overarching business goals. Identify and research opportunities, including financial partners in new and existing territories.
• Define standards and set performance targets across activities, using financial modeling to predict outcomes and report across territories.
• Support the business team by assessing the impact of the company's domestic risk strategy and modeling, explaining how to maximize product yield, customer retention, and growth.
• Negotiate and structure deals with financial institutions, matching the loan pool assets with appropriate funding sources based on targets.
• Create and maintain positive, long-lasting relationships with current and potential financial partners.
• Develop strategies to maximize portfolio returns, limit redundancy, manage liquidity, and optimize growth opportunities while maintaining efficiency.
• Support long-term business planning, including new product rollouts and expansion into new territories.
• Act as an interface between commercial, business, product, risk, and executive teams to analyze and interpret product development over time.
• Evaluate potential acquisitions to support growth strategies and oversee their integration.

What You Will Bring

• Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or related fields; MBA or CFA is a plus.
• Extensive Experience: 8-10+ years in financial services strategy, negotiations, and cross-market growth within complex or multinational environments.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Expertise in financial modeling, risk assessment, deal structuring, and forecasting.
• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, set KPIs, and manage performance.
• Global & Commercial Acumen: Experience working across geographies, evaluating acquisitions, and forming strategic partnerships.
• Language Skills: Fluency in French is required.

Why You Should Apply

We offer:
- Competitive remuneration package
- Extra day off on your birthday
- Performance-based bonus scheme
- Comprehensive private healthcare insurance
- All necessary tech gear

Optasia's Perks include:
- Multicultural working environment
- Exposure to a unique and promising industry
- Insights into future markets
- Solid career growth opportunities
- Continuous training and online learning access.