Emerging Markets Lead – Central Asia
Leads Column’s expansion into Central Asian and Eastern European markets by developing banking partnerships, managing high-value deals, and building regional market intelligence. The role requires 6+ years of business operations, growth, or partnerships experience, including substantial experience in the target markets and native Russian fluency.
About the job
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 deals from initial outreach through contract signature in collaboration with Legal, Compliance, and Product teams.
- Gather and synthesize market intelligence on local conditions, regulatory developments, competitive landscapes, and customer needs.
- Develop expertise in correspondent banking and build a network within banking and fintech ecosystems across key emerging markets.
- Create 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 Central Asian and Eastern European markets.
- Native fluency in Russian and experience managing business relationships with Russian-speaking clients and stakeholders.
- Track record managing complex partnerships and high-value deals with executive stakeholders.
- Ability to build trust and long-term relationships 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 multiple teams and priorities.
- Scrappy, hands-on attitude and willingness to work creatively in a 0-to-1 environment.
- Experience at a top-tier technology company or management consulting firm preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
- The position is based in Dubai, with regular travel throughout the region and quarterly travel to headquarters in San Francisco.
Skills
Business Development, Partnerships, Market Expansion, Relationship Management, Deal Negotiation, Project Management, Market Intelligence, Correspondent Banking, Banking, Fintech, Regulatory Analysis
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