Emerging Markets Lead – CIS (Russian speaking)

About the role

As Column’s Emerging Markets Lead, you will spearhead a strategic international expansion initiative, driving 0‑to‑1 growth for a new banking product across CIS and Eastern Europe. Based in Dubai, you will combine global expansion strategy with hands‑on relationship management, working closely with senior executives and partners.

Key responsibilities

• Lead regional market development: Own the end‑to‑end process of identifying, evaluating, and executing high‑value partnerships with banks across multiple international markets.
• Build and maintain key relationships: Serve as the primary relationship owner for prospective and existing customers, conducting regular in‑person meetings, attending local industry events, and managing ongoing partnership development.
• Own partnership execution: Lead complex deal processes from initial outreach through contract signature, collaborating with Column’s Legal, Compliance, and Product teams.
• Develop market intelligence: Gather and synthesize insights on local market conditions, regulatory developments, competitive landscape, and customer needs to inform regional strategy.
• Market expertise and network: Become an expert on the correspondent banking space in key emerging markets and build an extensive network within banking and fintech ecosystems.
• Drive operational excellence: Build scalable processes for onboarding, relationship management, and ongoing 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 CIS and Eastern European markets.
• Native fluency in Russian and experience managing business relationships with Russian‑speaking clients and stakeholders.
• Track record of successfully managing complex partnerships and high‑value deals with executive stakeholders.
• Natural networker who thrives on building trust and long‑term relationships with senior executives, market experts and decision‑makers.
• Strong strategic thinking – ability to assess market opportunities, evaluate potential partners, and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Hyper‑organized approach to project management, including coordinating efforts across multiple teams; comfort juggling multiple projects and priorities is critical.
• Scrappy, roll‑up‑your‑sleeves attitude – we thrive because we work harder, are more creative, and have zero ego when it comes to getting our hands dirty to build a business.