Head of Strategic Partnerships
Smart Applications International Limited
- Nairobi
- Permanent
- Full-time
REPORTS TO: Group Director _ Insurance Business
DEPARTMENT: Insurance Business Directorate
BASED AT: Nairobi KenyaJob purpose:
The Head of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for developing, managing, and scaling strategic relationships that expand the organisation’s Insurance market reach, product adoption, and revenue growth. The role drives partnership strategy across key ecosystems—corporates, insurers, brokers, and regulators—to unlock new commercial opportunities and strengthen the company’s competitive position.The holder acts as the central point for coordinating collaboration, aligning partners to the company’s strategic objectives, and unlocking new revenue, innovation, and operational efficiencies through strategic alliances. The position ensures that all partnerships deliver measurable business outcomes, strengthen the company’s competitive position, and contribute to sustainable customer and market success.The Head of Partnerships also provides strong external representation for the business and positions the company as a preferred partner in the insurance industry.1. Partnership Strategy & Leadership
- Develop a global/regional partnerships strategy aligned to corporate goals.
- Developing, managing, and expanding a robust partner network that accelerates revenue growth and broadens the company's market presence.
- Build and maintain a structured partnerships pipeline with clear ROI projections.
- Negotiate and manage MoUs and contracts with partner institutions
- Identify ecosystem opportunities, whitespace markets, and strategic alliances.
- Oversee governance, contract compliance, risk management, and partnership performance.
- Identify, engage and onboard strategic partners
- Secure strategic partners that directly increase revenue, user acquisition, and product uptake.
- Negotiate partnership agreements, commercial terms, and performance expectations.
- Open new market channels through partnerships with insurance companies, brokers, intermediaries, corporates, associations, fintech’s, and development agencies.
- Nurture existing partnerships by leading, managing, and developing all partners to achieve revenue, brand awareness and top line target.
- Contract Negotiation: Lead contract discussions and negotiations with partners to establish agreements that are favorable and sustainable for both parties.
- Collaborate with Country Managers, Regional Head of Insurance, Product Managers, Digital Transformation, Marketing, and Operations teams to co-create solutions with partners.
- Influence product enhancements based on partner insights, customer needs, and market trends.
- Support pilots and product launch in collaboration with partners
- Monitor competitor partnerships, regulatory developments, and industry trends.
- Stay up to date on market trends and emerging opportunities. Use this information to refine partnership strategies and identify new opportunities.
- Generate insights to guide partnership expansion and investment decisions.
- Benchmark partnership models globally to maintain competitive advantage.
- Collaborate with partners to create joint go-to-market strategies, including co-marketing initiatives, product integrations, and bundled offerings where this exists.
- Conduct regular reviews with key partners to ensure mutual value creation
- Partner Enablement: Ensure partners are equipped with the necessary tools, training, and resources for all partner-led ventures.
- Establish KPIs to measure the success and ROI of partnerships
- Track, analyze, and report partnership performance to EXCO/Leadership
- Ensure all partnerships comply with legal, data protection, and regulatory standards.
- Conduct regular reviews with key partners to ensure mutual value creation.
- Holder of a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Sales & Marketing – preferably having worked within healthcare, Technology and/or Insurance industry.
- Demonstrated success in building and scaling partner ecosystems that drive significant business growth.
- 4–6 years of experience in partnerships, business development, or strategic alliances.
- Strong negotiation, relationship management, and commercial strategy skills.
- At least 5 years’ experience in insurance, health led business or previous experience in Smart Applications is an added advantage
- IT Proficiency, especially in the Microsoft Office suite with an emphasis on Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is a must
- Computer Literate with proficiency in IT is an added advantage.
- Strong understanding of Smart operations and systems
- Proven ability to think strategically while executing tactically
- Ability to build and maintain customer & partner relationships
- Strong stakeholder engagement & executive communication
- Project management & cross-functional leadership
- Influence & relationship building
- Ability to define, implement (and innovate) across all insurance products
- Innovation orientation