# Emerging Markets Lead – MENA

**Company:** [Column](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/column)
**Location:** Remote
**Role:** Partnerships
**Experience:** 6+ years
**Skills:** Business Development, Partnerships, Relationship Management, Project Management, Market Intelligence, Correspondent Banking, Banking, Fintech, Regulatory Analysis, Strategic Planning, Deal Negotiation
**Posted:** 2026-06-10

> Leads Column’s MENA expansion by developing banking partnerships, managing high-value deals, and building regional market intelligence and operating processes. Requires 6+ years of business operations, growth, or partnerships experience, including 4+ years in MENA, plus native Arabic fluency.

## Job Description

## 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.

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