Company Description

ARQ SME Business Development Company (ARQ SME BDC) is a smart capital partner for growing SMEs in the Philippines, offering scalable and flexible mezzanine investment solutions. The company believes in providing support beyond finance to achieve sustainable business growth, with a focus on serving the missing middle for promising SMEs.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for a Program Management Officer at ARQ SME BDC located in Makati. The Program Management Officer will be responsible for the execution of ARQ SME BDC’s business development efforts across three key pillars: SME financing programs, financial product innovation, and strategic partnerships. The role will oversees outsourced marketing partners to strengthen ARQ’s brand, drive qualified applications, and establish ARQ as a key opinion leader in the SME and private credit space.

Key Responsibilities

1. Programs & Product Development

• Implement identified SME financing programs that respond to evolving market needs.
• Complete RFPs with strategic partners for new products
• Monitor performance and market fit of programs, adjusting to maximize impact and scalability.

2. Partnerships

• Identify, cultivate, and manage partnerships with government agencies, SME focused organizations, fintechs, platforms, and other ecosystem enablers.
• Structure partnership frameworks (e.g., referrals, co-branded programs) to generate a pipeline and elevate ARQ’s presence.

3. Marketing Oversight & Thought Leadership

• Manage outsourced marketing agency or partners to align campaigns with BD goals.
• Lead content strategy for blogs, features, speaking engagements, and digital presence to strengthen ARQ's position as a thought leader in SME financing.
• Ensure consistency of messaging and brand presence across all communication channels.

4. Pipeline Growth & Market Engagement

• Work closely with the Investments and Credit teams to deliver a qualified and high-impact pipeline of SMEs.
• Organize or participate in relevant ecosystem events and forums to promote ARQ’s offerings.
• Coordinate with Legal and Operations teams to ensure partner or program-related compliance.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or program management, ideally in financial services or SME-related sectors.
• Strong understanding of SME lending products, alternative finance, and funding ecosystems.
• Proven ability to design and implement programs, build strategic partnerships, and drive product-market fit.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience representing brands publicly.
• Experience working with or managing outsourced marketing teams and understanding of digital campaign strategies.
• Mission-aligned mindset: proactive, agile, and passionate about inclusive finance and SME growth.