Partnership & Business Development Manager

SOS International; Dubai; On-site; AED 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global concierge service is seeking a Partnerships & Business Development Manager for the MEA region. This role is crucial for driving growth through strategic partnerships and new business development. The ideal candidate has 7 to 10 years of experience in loyalty programs and business development, particularly in luxury sectors. Fluency in Arabic and English is required to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders across the MEA markets, ensuring an exceptional experience for affluent clients.

Qualifications

• 7 to 10 years in partnership development and marketing, especially in loyalty programs.
• Direct experience in Saudi Arabia and large MEA markets is desirable.
• Strong network in dining, retail, travel, affluent access sectors is essential.
• Demonstrated success in managing experiences for high-net-worth clientele.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.

Responsibilities

• Drive partnership ecosystem in hospitality, dining, and luxury sectors.
• Lead new business development strategies across various verticals.
• Ensure optimal partner performance and service quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure service quality and client experience.
• Engage C-suite executives to forge durable partnerships.

Skills

Partnership Development

Business Growth

Marketing

Luxury Experience Management

Luxury hospitality knowledge

Education

Degree in Marketing, Business Management, Hospitality, or related field

Business management degree

Hospitality degree

Tools

CRM platforms

Loyalty programs

Digital marketing tools

Job description

Overview

As the Partnerships & Business Development Manager for the MEA region, you will play a critical role in driving Aspire’s growth through two primary strategic avenues:

• Strategic Partnership Ecosystem Development – MEA and Europe: Build, expand, and optimize an elite network of partners encompassing hospitality, dining, entertainment, luxury retail, travel, and experiential sectors. Craft exclusive and differentiated partnership propositions that enrich our concierge service offerings, providing substantial value to premium clients. Initiatives will focus on commercial monetization through structured revenue models including commissions, marketing funding, and exclusive agreements. Ensure regional partnerships align with Aspire's global standards while adapting to local market nuances. Collaborate cross-functionally with operations and account management teams to ensure optimal partner performance, service quality, and an exceptional client experience.
• New Business Development & Revenue Growth: Identify and actively engage potential clients across key verticals including financial services, payments, automotive, luxury brands, insurance, and affluent customer ecosystems. Develop and execute a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for the MEA region aimed at expanding Aspire’s market footprint. Lead commercial negotiations and structure tailored solutions to secure new business and foster enduring partnerships. Position Aspire as a strategic partner in loyalty and customer engagement, forging strong executive relationships at the C-suite level to ensure sustainable revenue growth.

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the growth trajectory of a premier global concierge and loyalty organization, requiring a dynamic professional adept at navigating complex markets and building influential partnerships.

Experience and Expertise Required

• 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in partnership development, business growth, and marketing within loyalty and rewards programs, merchant acquisition, travel, or hospitality sectors, inclusive of digital e-commerce partnerships.
• Direct experience in Saudi Arabia and large MEA markets is highly desirable to navigate regional market dynamics effectively.
• A robust and broad network of merchant relationships in dining, retail, travel, affluent access, and lifestyle sectors is essential, with competencies extending to digital platforms for dining and travel.
• Demonstrated success in experiential and event management, notably serving high-net-worth and affluent clientele, providing seamless luxury experiences.
• Proven leadership skills managing senior stakeholders and cross-disciplinary teams to deliver strategic initiatives collaboratively.

Preferred Industry Background

• Established networks and insights in sectors including:
• – Banking and Financial Institutions (Credit Cards, Private Banking, Wealth Management, NRI Banking)
• – Hospitality and Real Estate (Hotels, Restaurants, Luxury Residential, Facility Management, Loyalty Providers)
• – Luxury Automotive (Premium and High-End Manufacturers)
• – Insurance Services and Loyalty Program Providers
• Exceptional relationship-building abilities, fostering trust and rapport with partners and clients alike.
• Acute understanding of client marketing objectives, enabling the alignment and customization of partnership benefits.
• Proficiency in crafting compelling client proposals and delivering persuasive presentations that resonate with diverse stakeholders.
• Deep commercial insight into partners’ and clients’ business models, translating this into valuable and mutually beneficial propositions.
• Strong awareness of affluent lifestyle trends spanning travel, dining, shopping, sports, entertainment, culture, and exclusive experiences.
• Knowledgeable in credit card and luxury brand loyalty programs, as well as digital marketing and social media strategies.
• Highly self-motivated with the capacity to work independently, prioritize, and manage time effectively under minimal supervision.
• Detail-oriented, maintaining professionalism and a calm, logical approach in all aspects of work.
• Demonstrated track record of executing projects successfully and delivering measurable business outcomes.

Educational Qualifications

A degree in Marketing, Business Management, Hospitality, or a related field is required, evidencing a solid academic foundation aligned with the role’s demands.

Fluency in both Arabic and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills, is necessary to navigate the multicultural business environment effectively and engage with stakeholders across the MEA region.