Emerging Markets Lead – MENA (Arabic speaking)

The role

You will drive 0-to-1 growth for a new banking product by building and nurturing relationships with prospective partners and customers in MENA markets. You will lead regional market development, manage complex partnership executions, and develop market intelligence.

What you will do

• Lead regional market development by identifying, evaluating, and executing high-value partnerships with banks.
• Serve as the primary relationship owner for prospective and existing customers.
• Conduct regular in-person meetings and attend local industry events.
• Lead complex deal processes from initial outreach through contract signature.
• Work collaboratively with Legal, Compliance, and Product teams.
• Gather and synthesize insights on local market conditions, regulatory developments, and competitive landscape.
• Build an extensive network within banking and fintech ecosystems.
• Build scalable processes for onboarding, relationship management, and ongoing support.

Required qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in partnerships, business development, growth, operations or strategy in a high-caliber environment
• 4+ years of business experience specifically in MENA
• Native fluency in Arabic
• Experience managing business relationships with Arabic-speaking clients and stakeholders
• Track record of successfully managing complex partnerships and high-value deals with executive stakeholders
• Natural networker who thrives on building trust and long-term relationships with senior executives, market experts and decision-makers
• Strong strategic thinking
• Hyper-organized approach to project management
• Scrappy, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude

About the company

Column is a bank and a software company built from the ground up, offering technology-forward banking solutions. They aim to simplify the banking supply chain for builders and developers.