Emerging Markets Lead – MENA (Arabic speaking)
Lead the expansion of a new banking product in MENA, focusing on building partnerships and driving growth.
Posted by employer 1 day ago
First seen on Joblaze 8 hours ago
Last verified on the company career page 8 hours ago
What you'll build
- Own the end-to-end process of identifying and executing partnerships
- Serve as the primary relationship owner for customers
- Lead complex deal processes from outreach to contract signature
- Gather and synthesize insights on local market conditions
- Build scalable processes for onboarding and relationship management
Must have
- 6+ years of experience in partnerships, business development, growth, operations or strategy
- 4+ years of business experience specifically in MENA
- Native fluency in Arabic
- Track record of managing complex partnerships
- Strong strategic thinking
- Hyper-organized approach to project management
Practical constraints
- Regular travel throughout the region
- Occasional travel to Column’s headquarters in San Francisco
Requirements
- Experience
- 6+ years
Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, visa sponsorship.
Joblaze summary
The Emerging Markets Lead at Column focuses on driving growth for a new banking product in the MENA region, emphasizing relationship management and partnership development. This role requires expertise in business development, particularly in navigating the banking landscape, and fluency in Arabic to effectively engage with local stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have over six years of experience in partnerships or strategy, with a proven ability to manage complex deals and build networks. Column seeks a proactive individual who can thrive in a fast-paced environment while contributing to the company's international expansion.
Joblaze insights
- Listed today — first seen on Joblaze September 19, 2026. Last confirmed on Column's careers page September 19, 2026.
- This exact title is also open at 1 other location at Column: Dubai, UAE.
Quick facts
- Is the Emerging Markets Lead – MENA (Arabic speaking) role remote?
- No — this is an on-site role in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 6 years of relevant experience for this Emerging Markets Lead – MENA (Arabic speaking) role.
- Where is the role based?
- Column is hiring for this position in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Column targets lead candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Emerging Markets Lead – MENA (Arabic speaking) role at Column.
From the original posting
The opportunity
As Column’s Emerging Markets Lead, you will spearhead one of our most strategic international expansion initiatives. In this role, you will be responsible for driving 0-to-1 growth for a new banking product, with a particular focus on building and nurturing relationships with prospective partners and customers in select markets, with a specific focus on markets within MENA. This role combines global expansion strategy, business development with hands-on relationship management, requiring a general business athlete who thrives on networking and executing complex partnerships. This is a unique opportunity to be on the founding team for a new business line, with significant autonomy and direct impact on Column’s global expansion strategy.
This position will be based in Dubai with regular travel throughout the region and occasional travel to Column’s headquarters in San Francisco.
What you’ll do
Lead regional market development: Own the end-to-end process of identifying, evaluating, and executing on high-value partnerships with banks across a number of 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, working collaboratively 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 Column’s regional strategy.
Market expertise and network: Become an expert on the correspondent banking space in our key emerging markets and build an extensive network within their banking and fintech ecosystems.
Drive operational excellence: Build scalable processes for onboarding, relationship management, and ongoing support that can be replicated as we expand.
What you’ll need to be successful
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 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
Standard company text repeated across Column's postings is omitted here.