UP® otherwise known as Unified Payment Services Limited is Nigeria’s premier Payments & Financial Technology company founded in 1997 by a consortium of leading Nigerian banks. UP® operates as a shared infrastructure for the banking community in Nigeria and Payments Service Provider within and outside Nigeria, with a vision to be the most preferred e-payment service provider in Africa.Job Objectives
The Group Head – Payarena Mall will be responsible for the strategic leadership, operational governance, and business performance of the Fashion & Lifestyle and General Merchandise verticals.
This role requires a deep understanding of e-commerce dynamics, strong vendor and category management skills, and experience leading cross-functional teams across marketing, operations, merchandising, logistics, and customer experience.
Duties and Responsibilities
Define and execute the business strategy for both the Fashion & Lifestyle and General Merchandise departments.
Lead category growth through assortment planning, pricing strategy, vendor acquisition, and brand partnerships.
Drive key metrics including traffic, conversion, GMV, customer retention, and profitability.
Oversee merchandising, campaign planning, online merchandising, and promotions to enhance customer engagement and sales.
Collaborate with marketing, product, technology, and logistics teams to deliver a seamless end-to-end customer experience.
Establish strong vendor management frameworks—ensuring quality control, pricing consistency, and timely fulfillment.
Monitor performance data and consumer insights to refine strategy and inform decision-making.
Ensure operational excellence across supply chain, inventory, and fulfillment processes.
Represent Payarena Mall at leadership forums and collaborate closely with executive management on strategic initiatives.
Key Performance Indication
As agreed from time to time based on business exigencies.
Requirements
Education: A Degree / HND Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
Experience: Minimum of 14 years of experience in e-commerce, retail, digital marketplaces, or consumer goods—with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Post NYSC experience.
Key Compentencies:
Knowledge / Experience:
Proven experience scaling or managing online retail operations across multiple categories.
Strong knowledge of digital merchandising, vendor management, marketplace dynamics, and user acquisition strategies.
Excellent business acumen, data-driven decision-making ability, and strong commercial instincts.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performance teams in a dynamic environment.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and operational efficiency.
Prior experience at or working with large e-commerce platforms (e.g., Jumia, Konga, Amazon, Shopify-based marketplaces).
Understanding of digital payments, logistics integrations, and omnichannel commerce models.
Experience managing a tech-enabled marketplace or startup from early stage to growth.
Staff Attraction, Motivation and Retention
Fill vacant roles within the department in a timely manner and provide opportunities for growth and development.
Provide training, mentorship, and up-skilling programs.
Recognize and reward individual and team achievements and contribution.
Encourage open communication and feedback.
Give employees autonomy and ownership of their work to motivate them.
Foster a positive work culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and creativity.
Regularly engage direct reports to understand their needs and concerns.
Foster a diverse and inclusive work environment that values different perspectives and backgrounds.
Skill / Competencies:
Strong interpersonal skills.
Excellent written/oral communication skills.
Strong analytical skills.
Organizational skills.
Confident negotiator and ability to close the right type of business deals at the highest level.