Business Development Representative

Company Description

Yala operates as a trade desk for African commerce, connecting African importers with verified global suppliers. The company provides escrow services, cross-border settlement, and trade financing infrastructure that is typically reserved for large corporates. By simplifying and securing international trade, Yala helps businesses access reliable partners and manage risk more effectively. Team members contribute to building scalable financial and trade solutions that support sustainable growth across African markets.

Role Description

Are you a driven sales professional with a strong network of merchants, importers, and SME business owners? Do you thrive on building relationships and closing opportunities? If so, Yala wants to hear from you.

We're looking for a Business Development Representative (BDR) to drive the adoption of Yala's trade desk platform across the SME market. This is a full-time hybrid role based in Lagos, combining in-office collaboration, on-site client engagement, and remote work flexibility.

As a BDR, you'll be the face of Yala in the field—identifying, engaging, and onboarding SME traders while serving as a trusted advisor on our trade solutions, including payments, trade finance, logistics, and vendor verification.

Where you will Operate

• Import/export trade clusters — Alaba International Market, Balogun, Idumota etc.
• Industrial and manufacturing SMEs procuring raw materials or machinery from China, Turkey, India, UAE, or EU
• Auto dealers and spare parts dealers
• Medical equipment dealers, pharmaceutical importers, and agro-commodity exporters
• E-commerce and logistics SMEs with recurring international supplier payment

Core Responsibilities

1. Merchant Acquisition & Pipeline Management

• Identify, pitch, and onboard high-value SMEs, manufacturers, cross-border traders, and e-commerce merchants.
• Actively map commercial hubs, markets, and trade zones to build a robust pipeline of prospects.
• Meet and exceed monthly targets for unique active transacting merchants and Total Processed Volume (TPV).

1. Relationship Management & Activation

• Guide newly onboarded SMEs through the compliance and KYC (Know Your Customer) process smoothly.
• Handhold merchants through their first few international transactions to ensure a seamless experience and build trust.
• Gather continuous feedback from the field regarding competitor pricing, features, and merchant pain points to share with the product team.

1. Brand Advocacy & Product Education

• Educate business owners on Yala’s value proposition: superior FX rates, transaction speed, and platform security compared to traditional banks.
• Represent YALA professionally in trade associations, market union meetings, and business forums.

What You Bring

Experience: 1–3 years of sales experience as a Business Development Representative, relationship manager, or field sales executive in a commercial bank, merchant bank, microfinance institution, or fast-growing fintech.

Network: A pre-existing portfolio or strong network of SME clients, trade merchants, clearing/forwarding agents, or cross-border traders.

Skills: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and street-smart persuasion skills. Comfortable using digital apps and CRM tools.

What Makes You a Perfect Fit

• You don't take "No" for an answer and thrive in a high-target, high-reward environment.
• You understand the basics of international trade, and the frustrations SMEs face with traditional banks.
• You are self-motivated, proactive, and capable of operating with minimal supervision in the field.
  

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package.
• Fast-tracked career growth opportunities into sales leadership roles based on performance.
• Continuous training on innovation and global trade.