A results-driven business development and relationship management leader with over of 9 years of experience in serving financial services, fintech, and many other sectors. Proven track record in strategic planning, fostering long-term client relationships, driving business growth and leading cross-functional teams to execute complex projects. Skilled at delivering impactful results through a combination of strategic leadership, revenue growth initiatives, and market insight.
Hi, I’m
Upendo Minja
Dar Es Salaam
Summary
Overview
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Dz Card Africa (EMV Smart Card Manufacture)Dar Es Salaam
Customer Service and Domestic Sales Manager
02.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Managing a portfolio of 13 key financial institutions and fintech accounts, strategically aligning client needs with products offerings for their EMV smartcards (Visa, Mastercard and Umoja) needs and digital smart card solutions to drive revenue growth and expand Dzcard Market Share
- Led business development initiatives by identifying and introducing innovative smartcard features that help position clients in the market
- Project managed projects that included cross-functional teams (technical, finance, production, and supply chain) to ensure successful implementation of client projects within budget and timelines, driving operational efficiency
- Successfully onboard new clients, including PBZ Bank, Selcom, and Akiba Bank, expanding the company's client base and increasing overall revenue
- Conduct regular executive-level meetings with financial institutions to assess feedback and present growth opportunities, contributing to continuous product innovation
- Oversee the domestic customer service department, training and coaching team members, setting KPIs, and driving a customer-centric culture that aligns with company goals
Empower Limited (Growth Consultancy Firm)Dar Es Salaam
Senior Coordinator, Service Excellence
07.2022 - 08.2023
Job overview
- Established and led a new department focused on client retention and relationship management, driving strategic account planning for the company's top-tier clients responsible for 65% of overall revenue
- Developed and implemented client retention strategies, including client onboarding procedures, project kick-offs, and feedback mechanisms, resulting in improved client satisfaction and long-term engagement
- Collaborated with key clients to identify new business opportunities and provided tailored solutions that addressed their strategic needs, increasing revenue and expanding market share
- Led a team of service excellence coordinators, setting clear KPIs and aligning their performance with the company's strategic growth objectives
Beem Africa (Mobile Tech Company)Dar Es Salaam
Business Development Manager, Enterprise
11.2021 - 07.2022
Job overview
- Led the business development strategy for the enterprise division, driving adoption of the company's Moja Saas omnichannel solution, contributing to 50% of department revenue
- Conducted market analysis and created a strategic pipeline for new business opportunities, targeting key industry segments and growing enterprise relationships
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to provide tailored solutions to client challenges, securing major deals and increasing client satisfaction
- Represented the company at industry events, promoting the Moja solution and expanding the company's market reach
- Grew enterprise division revenue through targeted business expansion strategies and successful market penetration
Zo Spaces (Commercial Real Estate)Dar Es Salaam
Sales & Operations Manager
01.2021 - 11.2021
Job overview
- Managed key tenant accounts and increased occupancy by 30%, contributing to significant revenue growth for the company
- Oversaw day-to-day sales operations and developed operational procedures that streamlined customer service and increased client satisfaction
- Developed and led sales tours and tenant onboarding processes, effectively communicating the value proposition and securing long-term leases
- Boosted overall customer satisfaction through improved tenant management and service delivery
Aramex Limited (Logistics Company)Dar Es Salaam
Business Development, Ecommerce
03.2021 - 01.2021
Job overview
- Drove the growth of the Ecommerce product by increasing active client conversions by 50% and boosting annual revenue by 30% in 2019
- Built strategic partnerships with key players such as Mpesa MasterCard and Stanbic Bank, expanding the company's footprint in the ecommerce space
- Led the training of call center agents and sales teams on ecommerce solutions, ensuring seamless client interactions and improved service delivery
- Played a pivotal role in growing ecommerce product adoption, increasing market share and contributing to the company's revenue growth strategy
Education
Memorial University of NewfoundlandCanada
Bachelor of Arts from Communication Studies,International Business
University Overview
International School Moshi
International Baccalaureate Diplomas
University Overview
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Business Development: Expertise in formulating and executing growth strategies that align with market trends and client needs
- Relationship Management: Proven ability to cultivate and maintain long-term relationships with C-suite executives, clients, and partners
- Leadership & Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience leading diverse teams across departments to deliver business solutions and meet client objectives
- Innovation & Market Insights: Skilled at identifying emerging trends and opportunities, leading to the development of innovative solutions and new business models
- Effective Problem Resolution
- Pipeline Strategy Development
- Flexibility in Changing Environments
- Persistence & Resilience
- Persuasive Communication
- Strong Communications
- Effective Leadership
- IT Proficiency
References
References
Available upon request.
Languages
Languages
Fluent in English
Languages
Swahili
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Timeline
Customer Service and Domestic Sales Manager
Dz Card Africa (EMV Smart Card Manufacture)
02.2024 - Current
Senior Coordinator, Service Excellence
Empower Limited (Growth Consultancy Firm)
07.2022 - 08.2023
Business Development Manager, Enterprise
Beem Africa (Mobile Tech Company)
11.2021 - 07.2022
Business Development, Ecommerce
Aramex Limited (Logistics Company)
03.2021 - 01.2021
Sales & Operations Manager
Zo Spaces (Commercial Real Estate)
01.2021 - 11.2021
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Bachelor of Arts from Communication Studies,International Business
International School Moshi
International Baccalaureate Diplomas
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