Partnership Manager-MENA

Shufti; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Shufti seeks a strategic Partnership Manager to lead and expand our network of channel, technology, and strategic partners across the MENA region (UAE, KSA, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan). You will identify, onboard, and manage partnerships that drive revenue and extend our AI-powered identity verification solutions.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in partnerships/business development within SaaS, RegTech, fintech, or compliance, with strong cross-functional collaboration and Arabic

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in partnerships, business development, or strategic alliances, preferably SaaS/RegTech/fintech.
• Strong track record of initiating and managing high-impact partnerships in MENA.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
• Fluency in English; Arabic fluency is highly preferred for regional coverage.
• Experience with CRM and partner portal tools (Salesforce, HubSpot) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop the MENA ecosystem: identify and secure strategic partnerships (channel resellers, technology alliances, system integrators).
• Own the full partner lifecycle from outreach to enablement and long-term relationship management.
• Collaborate with sales, product, marketing, and legal to align partnership strategies with regional goals.

Skills

Partnerships

Business Development

Strategic Alliances

Cross-functional Collaboration

English Proficiency

Arabic Language

Tools

Salesforce

HubSpot

Job description

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven Partnership Manager to lead and expand our network of channel, technology, and strategic partners across the MENA region (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan). This role will be instrumental in identifying, onboarding, and managing partnerships that drive revenue, expand our market reach, and enhance the value of our AI-powered identity verification and compliance solutions in this high-growth region.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in partnership development, ecosystem strategy, and experience working with SaaS, RegTech, KYC/AML, or fintech companies, specifically within the MENA context. A proven ability to build win-win partner relationships and operate cross-functionally across sales, product, and marketing teams is essential.

Company Overview

Shufti is a global identity verification and compliance platform, helping organizations meet KYC, AML, and regulatory requirements using AI-driven technology. We serve clients in industries such as fintech, crypto, banking, e-commerce, and more, ensuring secure and seamless digital interactions in over 240+ countries and territories, with a rapidly growing presence across the MENA region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop the MENA Ecosystem: Identify, evaluate, and secure new strategic partnerships in the region, including channel resellers, technology alliances, system integrators, and industry influencers.
• Own the Full Partner Lifecycle: Manage the partner lifecycle from outreach and onboarding to enablement and long-term relationship management, specifically tailored to MENA partners.
• Internal Alignment: Collaborate with internal stakeholders (sales, marketing, legal, product) to align partnership strategies with business goals and regional nuances.
• Drive Joint GTM: Develop joint go-to-market (GTM) initiatives with partners, including co-marketing, bundled offerings, and co-selling strategies that resonate in the MENA market.
• Performance Management: Monitor and optimize partner performance metrics, sales impact, and ROI across the region.
• Regional Representation: Represent Shufti at regional events, partner summits, and industry conferences throughout the MENA region.
• Market Intelligence: Maintain a deep understanding of the competitive landscape, industry trends, and regional market dynamics specific to the MENA region, including regulatory developments such as CBUAE regulations, SAMA guidelines, and MENAFATF AML/KYC requirements.

Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in partnerships, business development, or strategic alliances, preferably within SaaS, RegTech, cybersecurity, fintech, or compliance industries, with a clear focus on the MENA market.
• Track Record: Proven track record of initiating and managing high-impact partnerships across the MENA region.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong commercial acumen and ability to negotiate and structure partnership agreements in a regional context.
• Relationship Skills: Excellent relationship-building, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with experience working across culturally diverse teams.
• Global Collaboration: Experience working across international time zones and culturally diverse teams.
• Tech Stack: Familiarity with sales and marketing tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, partner portals).
• Strategic Mindset: Strategic mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; fluency in Arabic is highly preferred for effective regional market coverage. Knowledge of French is a plus for North African markets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Location: Based in the MENA region (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt) or with extensive experience in the market.
• Market Knowledge: Deep understanding of the fintech, crypto, or banking regulatory landscapes in key MENA countries, including CBUAE regulations, SAMA guidelines, and MENAFATF AML/KYC requirements.
• Scalability: Prior involvement in building or scaling a partnership function in an emerging market.
• Regulatory Understanding: Knowledge of MENA regulatory frameworks including CBUAE, SAMA, MENAFATF, and regional compliance requirements.