Partnerships Manager

WorldFirst; Dubai; On-site; AED 250,000 - 380,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive UAE salary + bonus

Visa, medical cover and Dubai benefits

Ant International backing

Job summary

WorldFirst in Abu Dhabi is seeking a senior Partnerships lead who will own the partner portfolio end-to-end, hit commercial targets from day one, and shape strategy while closing deals.

You’ll grow referral, affiliate and enterprise partners across the UAE, onboard and train partner sales teams, run co-marketing, and represent WorldFirst at industry events.

This player-coach role requires deep UAE ecosystem connections, data-driven pipeline management, and hands-on execution with a lean team.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in consultative sales or partnerships in fintech/payments, with targets.
• Warm UAE ecosystem connections across marketplaces, CSPs and e‑commerce enablers.
• Senior enough for the boardroom, hands‑on with the sales floor.
• Data‑driven, results‑oriented and able to convert strategy into action.

Responsibilities

• Grow the partner base: referral, affiliate and enterprise partners and negotiate terms.
• Activate partners by onboarding, training and running co‑marketing activities.
• Manage and expand the partner network, onboard high‑value clients and participate in industry events.

Skills

Partnerships

Sales leadership

Fintech

Account management

Negotiation

Education

University degree in business

Tools

CRM (Salesforce)

Job description

Location: Dubai, UAE · Onsite office Abu Dhabi

The role in one line: own every partnership that brings SMEs to WorldFirst across the UAE — from first handshake to referred revenue.

Who we are

WorldFirst moves money for over a million SMEs, connecting them to 100+ global marketplaces. Part of Ant Group since 2019, our purpose is simple: make it easy to do business anywhere. Our Partnerships team is how that purpose becomes growth — building the referral, affiliate and enterprise relationships that bring the next generation of SMEs onto WorldFirst.

Why this role is exciting

This is a true player-coach role based in Abu Dhabi. You’ll own the partner portfolio end-to-end, carry real commercial targets from day one, and shape strategy as you get hands‑on closing deals. Small team, big mandate, and full ownership of your pipeline.

What you’ll do

Grow the base. Acquire, manage and grow referral, affiliate and enterprise (API) partners - marketplaces, free zones and corporate service providers - that bring clients to WorldFirst. Negotiate terms that protect margin and drive volume.

Activate partners. Onboard smoothly across internal teams, train partner sales teams to pitch WorldFirst with confidence - including live tag-along support - and run co-marketing (webinars, trade shows, campaigns) that generates quality referrals.

Manage and expand. Run a regular cadence with your partner network, personally onboard high-value referred clients, and represent WorldFirst at industry events and CXO-level conversations wherever the partnership needs you.

Stay data-driven. Keep pipeline and CRM/MI reporting sharp so leadership decides on facts, not feelings - and keep improving the process behind it.

Who we’re looking for

• 6+ years in consultative sales or partnerships in fintech/payments, selling into the e‑commerce and import/export ecosystem - directly and through channel partners - with a track record of beating demanding targets. University degree in business or a related field.
• Warm, deep connections across the UAE ecosystem are a significant edge: marketplace seller recruitment and advertising teams (Noon, Amazon), service provider networks, e‑commerce enablers (TikTok, Shopify), free zones and CSPs focused on trade, and the importer/re‑exporter community (Dragon Mart, Yiwu Market, produce markets).
• Senior enough for the boardroom, hands‑on enough for the sales floor - at home speaking with a partner’s CXO suite or rolling up your sleeves alongside their sales team.
• Results‑driven: you thrive under ambitious targets and deliver clear, concise strategies - even in ambiguity. Disciplined with data, relentless about results.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive UAE salary plus bonus tied to your numbers. Visa, medical cover and standard Dubai benefits.
• The backing of Ant International - products, brand and executive access few companies can match, from one of the world’s largest fintech businesses.
• A lean, nimble team with real ownership - your portfolio, your pipeline, your wins.

Who we are

WorldFirst is an equal‑opportunity employer. We build diverse, inclusive teams where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential — and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Shortlisted candidates can expect an intro call, a commercial deep‑dive and a final conversation with leadership — we aim to move quickly.