Senior Director, Business Development, MEA

About the role

Circle is seeking a Senior Director of Business Development & Partnerships to lead expansion and partner ecosystem efforts across the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Based in Dubai with extensive regional travel, you will act as both a strategic dealmaker and a dedicated partner owner, driving high‑value opportunities and ensuring long‑term partnership success.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute Circle’s business development strategy across Africa, identifying high‑impact opportunities for payment solutions adoption.
• Lead negotiations and deal structuring with PSPs, fintechs, mobile‑money providers and payments businesses.
• Build and execute go‑to‑market strategies, from initial conversations through signed agreements.
• Own post‑close relationships, develop joint business plans, set performance milestones and drive partner activation.
• Conduct regular business reviews, coordinate internal teams, and nurture a tiered partner ecosystem across MEA.

Required profile

• 13+ years of business development or partner management experience in financial services, fintech or digital assets, with a strong track record in the region.
• Deep understanding of MEA’s financial ecosystem, including mobile money, banking infrastructure and cross‑border payments.
• Extensive network of relationships with leading financial institutions, fintechs and enterprise partners.
• Cross‑cultural competence and ability to work effectively across diverse geographies.

Required skills

• Financial modelling and forecasting.
• AI‑augmented market research and analytics tools.
• Generative AI and large language model workflows for pitch, contract drafting and data synthesis.
• Predictive forecasting, cohort analysis and model‑driven segmentation.
• CRM and analytics platforms with AI‑enhanced features.