Emerging Markets Lead MENA (Arabic Speaking)

About the role

Column is a bank and software company that provides technology-forward banking solutions to fintechs and developers, simplifying the banking supply chain. As Emerging Markets Lead MENA, you will drive 0-to-1 growth for a new banking product, focusing on building and nurturing relationships with prospective partners and customers in MENA markets. The role combines global expansion strategy, business development and hands-on relationship management, and sits on the founding team of a new business line with significant autonomy. It is based in Dubai, with regular travel throughout the region and occasional travel to the San Francisco headquarters.

Key responsibilities

• Lead regional market development: identify, evaluate and execute high-value partnerships with banks across international markets.
• Serve as primary relationship owner for prospective and existing customers, holding regular in-person meetings, attending local industry events and managing ongoing partnership development.
• Lead complex deal processes from initial outreach through contract signature, working with Legal, Compliance and Product teams.
• Gather and synthesize market intelligence on local conditions, regulation, competition and customer needs to inform regional strategy.
• Become an expert on the correspondent banking space in key emerging markets and build a network within their banking and fintech ecosystems.
• Build scalable processes for onboarding, relationship management and support that can be replicated as the business expands.

Required profile

• 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 and experience managing business relationships with Arabic-speaking clients and stakeholders.
• Track record of managing complex partnerships and high-value deals with executive stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and a hyper-organized, scrappy approach to project management.