Group Senior Manager - Strategic Partnerships & Growth

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Group Senior Manager - Strategic Partnerships & Growth

🔹 Company: Ghobash Group

🔹 Location: Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Investment Management

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-21

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing and expanding the Group’s ecosystem of partners
• Fostering relationships with existing partners and identifying new opportunities
• Overseeing partner performance and developing engagement plans
• Leading cross-functional teams to negotiate and close strategic agreements
• Working closely with business unit leaders to understand their needs and identify partnership opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset with a strong focus on relationship management and business development. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing partnerships across multiple industries and be able to navigate complex multi-industry environments.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Current Partner Relationship Management:

• Coordinate group-wide oversight of partner relationships
• Establish standardized partner dashboards and performance tracking tools
• Conduct a comprehensive mapping of all current partners
• Monitor and assess partner performance based on defined KPIs
• Develop and implement an annual engagement plan
• Identify opportunities to deepen collaboration
• Resolve potential conflicts and ensure the long-term health of partnership agreements
• Organize an annual review of each partner relationship with executive sponsorship
• Serve as the strategic connector between the group’s portfolio companies and external partners

✅ New Partnership Development:

• Proactively research and identify new partnership opportunities
• Develop business cases and present proposals to senior management
• Negotiate partnership agreements
• Stay ahead of industry trends and competitive developments
• Provide regular reports to senior management on partnership performance and new opportunities
• Lead cross-functional pitch and negotiation teams to close new strategic agreements
• Develop a framework for onboarding new partners

✅ Internal Governance and Collaboration:

• Develop and enforce governance frameworks around partnership structures
• Act as the central knowledge hub for partnership documentation
• Partner with Group Strategy, Legal, and Finance to assess risk, compliance, and ROI of all high-level partnerships

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for building and maintaining effective relationships with partners.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education:

• MBA is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, Economics

Experience:

• 8 years of experience in business development
• Experience in managing partnerships across multiple industries (technology, pharmaceuticals, etc.) is highly desirable

Required Skills:

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills
• Ability to think strategically and execute operationally
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Strong analytical mindset with experience in market research, financial analysis, and business case development

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in Arabic

ASSUMPTION: Given the multinational nature of the company and the diverse range of industries involved, fluency in Arabic may be beneficial but is not strictly required.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Senior Manager role in Dubai, the estimated salary range is AED 400,000 - 600,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional overtime as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits are subject to change and may be confirmed during the interview process.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Investment Management

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 1981

Company Description:

• Ghobash Group is a UAE-based conglomerate with a diversified portfolio spanning eight sectors, including Technology, Energy & Utilities, and Healthcare
• The Group is committed to advancing the UAE’s economic landscape and contributing to the nation's overall advancement
• Ghobash Group is dedicated to propelling the nation towards global competitiveness and a knowledge-driven economy through sustainable development initiatives

Company Specialties:

• Investments
• Technology
• Energy & Utilities
• Real Estate
• Chemicals
• Healthcare
• Education
• Hospitality

Company Website: http://www.ghobash.com

ASSUMPTION: Ghobash Group's diverse portfolio and commitment to sustainable development provide ample opportunities for growth and learning within the organization.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Manager

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Group CEO and works closely with business unit leaders and other senior management team members

Work Arrangement: On-site, with occasional remote work possible for certain tasks

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand the role's scope based on performance and the Group's evolving needs
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives
• Possibility to transition into a leadership role within the Group

ASSUMPTION: Given the Group's size and diversity, there are ample opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, well-equipped office with collaborative workspaces

Office Location(s): Makeen Building, 3rd Floor, Dubai, Dubai 2929, AE

Geographic Context:

• Dubai is a major global hub for business, tourism, and trade
• The city offers a high standard of living, with excellent infrastructure, amenities, and cultural attractions
• Dubai's strategic location provides easy access to markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional overtime as needed

ASSUMPTION: Dubai's vibrant business environment and high quality of life make it an attractive location for professionals seeking international experience.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• On-site interview with the hiring manager and other relevant stakeholders
• Final interview with the Group CEO
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Relationship management and communication skills
• Negotiation and contract management skills
• Industry knowledge and understanding of the Group's business

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the Group's business and the role's requirements in your application materials
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit

ATS Keywords: Business Development, Partnership Management, Strategic Planning, Contract Negotiation, Relationship Building, Investment Management, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Market Research, Financial Analysis, Business Case Development

ASSUMPTION: Given the competitive nature of the job market in Dubai, it is essential to tailor your application materials to the specific role and company, and to demonstrate your unique qualifications and fit for the position.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential for success in this role. Familiarity with CRM software and data visualization tools is particularly important for tracking partner performance and developing insights.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Excellence
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Sustainability

Work Style:

• Results-driven and performance-oriented
• Collaborative and team-focused
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Strategic and forward-thinking

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment?
• Are you comfortable working with diverse stakeholders and managing complex relationships?
• Do you have a proven track record of driving results and achieving strategic objectives?

ASSUMPTION: Ghobash Group values professionals who are results-driven, collaborative, and adaptable. Candidates who can demonstrate a strong fit with these values and work styles will be well-positioned for success in the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a large portfolio of partners with varying needs and priorities
• Navigating complex, multi-industry environments
• Balancing short-term tactical needs with long-term strategic goals
• Adapting to the Group's evolving needs and priorities

ASSUMPTION: Given the diverse and dynamic nature of the Group's business, this role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Strategic Partnerships Manager or Business Development Director, but with a broader scope and higher level of responsibility
• Unlike other roles in the investment management industry, this position requires a strong focus on relationship management and strategic planning, in addition to financial analysis and business case development
• Career progression in this role could lead to a leadership position within the Group, such as Head of Strategic Partnerships or Chief Strategy Officer

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other strategic partnerships and business development roles, its unique focus on relationship management and strategic planning sets it apart from other positions in the investment management industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive partner mapping and performance tracking system
• Negotiating a strategic partnership with a major technology company to drive innovation and growth within the Group
• Conducting a market analysis to identify new partnership opportunities in the healthcare sector

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and operational aspects of the role, as well as the need for strong analytical and communication skills to drive results and achieve strategic objectives.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the Group's strategic priorities for the next 1-3 years, and how this role supports those objectives?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments and business units within the Group?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the Group's partnership strategy, and how can this role address them?
• How does the Group support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the Group's strategic priorities, organizational structure, and commitment to employee development, as well as the key performance indicators for this role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the SmartRecruiters job posting
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.