Sopra Steria is hiring a Channel Manager – West Africa (Nigeria)

SBS is a global leader in banking and financial services software, powering digital transformation for banks, fintechs, and financial institutions worldwide. SBS delivers end-to-end solutions across core banking, payments, lending, digital channels, and financial crime, supporting clients across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and APAC.SBS has a growing footprint across Africa, partnering with financial institutions to modernize banking platforms and accelerate financial inclusion Job Description: Role Overview:The Channel Manager – West Africa is responsible for developing, managing, and scaling SBS’s partner ecosystem across Nigeria and the broader West African region. This role focuses on recruiting, enabling, and managing channel partners, including system integrators, consulting firms, fintech partners, and technology alliances, to drive pipeline, revenue, and market expansion.This is a remote role based in the Greater Lagos area, with regular engagement across Nigeria and neighboring markets.Responsibilities:Channel & Partner Strategy* Define and execute the channel strategy for Nigeria and West Africa in alignment with SBS’s regional and global objectives. * Identify, recruit, onboard, and manage strategic channel partners (SIs, fintechs, consulting partners, resellers). * Build joint business plans with partners, including pipeline targets, vertical focus, and go-to-market initiatives. Partner Enablement & Performance* Enable partners on SBS solutions, value propositions, and target customer profiles. * Drive partner readiness through training, certifications, sales enablement, and solution alignment. * Manage partner performance, forecasting, and contribution to pipeline and revenue. * Ensure partners are positioned to deliver high-quality implementations and customer outcomes. Go-to-Market & Demand Generation* Collaborate with partners on joint marketing activities, events, campaigns, and thought leadership initiatives. * Support partners in identifying and qualifying opportunities with banks, microfinance institutions, fintechs, and financial services providers. * Work closely with SBS sales teams to support partner-led and co-sell opportunities. Relationship & Stakeholder Management* Act as the primary point of contact for channel partners in the region. * Build strong relationships with partner executives, sales leaders, and delivery teams. * Coordinate internally with Sales, Pre-Sales, Product, Professional Services, and Marketing to support partner success. Market & Ecosystem Insight* Maintain a strong understanding of the West African banking and fintech landscape, regulatory environment, and competitive dynamics. * Provide market feedback to SBS leadership and product teams to inform strategy and roadmap decisions. Qualifications: Required Qualifications:* 5+ years of experience in channel management, partner sales, alliances, or indirect sales, preferably within banking technology, fintech, or enterprise software. * Strong knowledge of the Nigeria / West Africa financial services ecosystem, including banks, fintechs, and system integrators. * Proven experience recruiting, enabling, and managing channel or alliance partners. * Demonstrated ability to drive pipeline and revenue through partners. * Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. * Ability to work independently in a remote, global organization. Preferred Qualifications:* Experience working with core banking, payments, digital banking, or financial services platforms. * Background with system integrators or consulting partners. * Familiarity with SaaS and enterprise software sales models. * Experience collaborating with European-headquartered or global software companies. * Exposure to multi-country operations within West or Sub-Saharan Africa.