Head of Business Development – GCC

About the role

The Head of Business Development, GCC will lead new‑business generation across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, reporting to the GCC Commercial Director. Based in Dubai, the role owns the cross‑market pipeline, coordinates multi‑country deal pursuits and expands Dsquares’ merchant and partner network, with a focus on the UAE and close collaboration with the KSA team.

Key responsibilities

• Own and drive the GCC‑wide new‑business pipeline from lead generation to contract close, meeting regional revenue targets.
• Lead UAE market origination while aligning pipeline and account strategy with BD leads in KSA, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
• Design and execute a regional merchant network partnership strategy, closing gaps in acquisition and coverage.
• Originate and manage relationships with regional banks, telecom operators, retailers and enterprise partners.
• Structure and negotiate commercial and partnership agreements, including JVs, licensing and onboarding structures across jurisdictions.
• Represent Dsquares in RFPs, strategic pitches and market‑facing engagements, articulating the value of the loyalty platform.
• Maintain a robust prospect and account database, applying CRM discipline to track pipeline health.
• Monitor regional regulatory and strategic agendas (e.g., KSA Vision 2030) that influence partnership opportunities.
• Coach and develop a distributed team of market‑based BD leads, setting targets and reporting pipeline and market intelligence.

Required profile

• 10+ years of progressive business development, commercial or partnership experience across multiple GCC markets.
• Proven track record in loyalty, rewards, fintech, telecom or retail‑technology B2B platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to build and close a merchant or partner network in more than one GCC country.
• Strong deal‑structuring and negotiation skills, comfortable leading JV discussions across jurisdictions.
• Existing network in UAE and broader GCC banking, telecom, retail or government‑aligned sectors.
• Experience managing a distributed, multi‑market team.
• Fluent in English and Arabic (written and spoken); French is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent commercial qualification preferred.

What we offer

• Comprehensive wellbeing package with private medical insurance, life cover and extra days off.
• Annual profit‑share and competitive compensation.
• Hybrid work environment, generous maternity/paternity benefits and regular team‑building events.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Perks such as birthday offs, mobile allowance, transportation support and other employee‑centric benefits.