MENA Emerging Markets Lead: Banking Partnerships (Dubai)

Column; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Column is seeking an Emerging Markets Lead to drive 0-to-1 growth for a new banking product. You will build and nurture partnerships with banks and fintechs across markets in the MENA region, with regular travel to the region and occasional travel to San Francisco.

The role is based in Dubai, UAE, with significant autonomy and direct impact on Column's international expansion strategy. You will lead end-to-end partnership processes, synthesize local market insights, and become a recognized

Qualifications

• 6+ years in partnerships or BD in a top-tier environment.
• 4+ years business experience in MENA.
• Native fluency in Arabic with Arabic-speaking clients.
• Proven track record managing complex partnerships with executive stakeholders.
• Strong networking and relationship-building with senior leaders.
• Strategic thinking and market opportunity assessment.
• Hyper-organized with cross-team coordination.
• Scrappy, hands-on, ego-free and willing to roll up sleeves.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional market development: identify, evaluate and execute high-value partnerships with banks across international markets.
• Build and maintain key relationships: serve as the primary relationship owner for prospective and existing customers, conduct regular in-person meetings and events.
• Own partnership execution: lead complex deal processes from outreach to contract signature with Legal, Compliance and Product teams.
• Develop market intelligence: gather insights on market conditions, regulation, competition and customer needs.
• Become an expert on correspondent banking in key emerging markets and build a broad network.
• Drive operational excellence: build scalable onboarding and relationship-management processes for expansion.

Skills

Partnerships

Business development

MENA experience

Arabic fluency

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Project management

Networking

Job description

Column is seeking an Emerging Markets Lead to drive 0-to-1 growth for a new banking product. You will build and nurture partnerships with banks and fintechs across markets in the MENA region, with regular travel to the region and occasional travel to San Francisco.

The role is based in Dubai, UAE, with significant autonomy and direct impact on Column's international expansion strategy. You will lead end-to-end partnership processes, synthesize local market insights, and become a recognized