Emerging Markets Lead – MENA

Responsibilities

• Lead regional market development by identifying, evaluating, and executing high-value partnerships with banks across international markets.
• Build and maintain relationships with prospective and existing customers through in-person meetings, industry events, and ongoing partnership development.
• Lead complex deal processes from initial outreach through contract signature in collaboration with Legal, Compliance, and Product teams.
• Gather and synthesize market intelligence, including local market conditions, regulatory developments, competitive landscapes, and customer needs.
• Develop expertise in correspondent banking and build a network across banking and fintech ecosystems in key emerging markets.
• Build scalable processes for onboarding, relationship management, and ongoing support.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in business operations, growth, or partnerships in a high-caliber environment.
• 4+ years of business experience specifically in MENA.
• Native fluency in Arabic and experience managing business relationships with Arabic-speaking clients and stakeholders.
• Track record managing complex partnerships and high-value deals with executive stakeholders.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills with senior executives, market experts, and decision-makers.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to assess market opportunities, evaluate potential partners, and provide recommendations to senior leadership.
• Highly organized project-management approach, with the ability to coordinate across multiple teams and manage competing priorities.
• Scrappy, hands-on approach to building a business.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience at a top-tier technology company or management consulting firm.

Compensation and Benefits

• Regular travel throughout the region and quarterly travel to Column’s headquarters in San Francisco.