SVP / VP of Partnerships, MENA

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: SVP / VP of Partnerships, MENA

🔹 Company: Pulse iD

🔹 Location: United Arab Emirates (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Fintech, Business Development

🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years (SVP), 7+ years (VP)

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Spearheading Pulse iD's growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region
• Identifying and pursuing new business opportunities and strategic partnerships
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders in the banking and financial services industry
• Driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships and complex commercial deals
• Collaborating effectively with internal cross-functional teams for successful partnership implementation and management

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, sales and business development experience, and a deep understanding of the banking and financial services industry, particularly the credit card domain.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Identify, develop, and pursue new business opportunities and strategic partnerships with banks, financial institutions, and telcos across the MENA region

✅ Build, manage, and grow a robust sales pipeline, taking ownership of deals from lead generation through to closure with the support of the deal squad

✅ Develop and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with key decision-makers and influencers, particularly within retail banking and the credit card issuing space

✅ Leverage existing network and build new connections to accelerate pipeline growth and convert existing opportunities

✅ Structure, negotiate, and close complex commercial deals that align with Pulse iD's strategic objectives

✅ Analyze market trends, the competitive landscape, and customer needs to identify future potential growth opportunities and new revenue streams

✅ Contribute to the development and execution of regional sales plans and partnership programs to achieve optimal performance and growth

✅ Enhance the business value and revenue streams from existing key partnerships

✅ Collaborate effectively with internal cross-functional teams, including product, engineering, and marketing, to ensure successful partnership implementation and ongoing management

✅ Stay up-to-date on industry trends, regulatory changes, and the competitive landscape within the loyalty, payments, and financial technology sectors in the MENA region

✅ Represent Pulse iD at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field (MBA preferred)

Experience: Proven experience (typically 10+ years for SVP, 7+ years for VP) in enterprise sales, business development, or strategic partnerships, with a significant focus on the financial services industry, particularly banks and FIs, within the MENA region

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of the banking and payment domain, with specific expertise in the credit card business (issuing, acquiring, processing, loyalty)
• Familiarity and experience with Credit Card Management Systems (CMS) is highly desirable
• Extensive network of relevant industry contacts within retail banking, credit card divisions, and financial institutions across the MENA region
• Proven ability to build on leads, strategically grow the sales pipeline, own complex deals, and successfully convert opportunities
• Exceptional skills in strategic planning, business partnering, compelling presentations, business modeling, and data analysis
• Experience selling enterprise SaaS platforms is essential
• FinTech industry knowledge, particularly within loyalty and payment solutions, is crucial
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively across the MENA region

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Arabic

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a candidate with a proven track record in enterprise sales and business development, as well as a deep understanding of the credit card domain and Credit Card Management Systems.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level and industry standards for a Senior Vice President or Vice President role in the Fintech industry within the MENA region, the estimated salary range is AED 400,000 - AED 600,000 per annum (USD 108,000 - USD 162,000).

Benefits:

• Attractive remuneration package with equity options
• Flexible, remote working
• Genuine career growth possibilities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Fintech, focusing on loyalty and rewards solutions for financial institutions, fintechs, and telcos

Company Size: Small (11-50 employees), which means a more agile and dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and impact

Founded: 2016, with a strong Asia Pacific presence and recent expansion into the Middle East and Africa

Company Description:

• Pulse iD provides an end-to-end AI-powered Loyalty and Rewards platform that enables targeting and personalization through merchant-funded rewards, card-linked offers, and cards benefits
• The company aims to provide a seamless customer engagement solution that enhances clients' experience while supercharging their business growth
• Pulse iD services financial institutions, fintechs, telcos, enterprises, SMEs, and merchants

Company Specialties:

• Loyalty
• Payments
• Offer Redemption
• Financial Institutions
• Card-linked Offers
• Transactions
• Geolocation
• Digital Platforms
• Sustainability Finance
• Customer Engagement
• Offer Personalization
• Affiliate Marketing
• Merchants Connectivity
• AI
• Personalization
• Fintech
• Financial Services
• Rewards
• and Banking

Company Website: www.pulseid.com

ASSUMPTION: Pulse iD is a growing Fintech company with a strong focus on innovation and customer engagement, offering an attractive work environment for the right candidate.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior (SVP) or Mid-level (VP) management role, with significant responsibility for driving business growth and strategic partnerships

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the CEO and works closely with cross-functional teams, including product, engineering, and marketing

Work Arrangement: Remote OK, with flexibility for remote work and extensive travel across the MENA region

Growth Opportunities:

• As Pulse iD continues to expand, there will be opportunities for the successful candidate to grow within the organization and take on additional responsibilities
• The role offers the chance to work with talented industry practitioners and learn from each other in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• The company offers genuine career growth possibilities, with an attractive remuneration package and equity options

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the company's success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote, with the option to work from home or a co-working space

Office Location(s): United Arab Emirates (with extensive travel required across the MENA region)

Geographic Context:

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates, with Dubai being the most populous and commercially significant
• The UAE has a diverse and multicultural population, with a strong focus on business and economic growth
• The MENA region offers a unique blend of cultural, linguistic, and economic diversity, with significant opportunities for business expansion and partnerships

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for remote work and extensive travel

ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement and extensive travel requirements may appeal to candidates who enjoy working independently and thrive in a dynamic, global environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR team
• In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the CEO
• Background and reference checks

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales and business development skills
• Industry knowledge and expertise in the credit card domain
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the credit card domain and Credit Card Management Systems
• Showcase your proven track record in enterprise sales and business development
• Prepare examples of your successful partnerships and deals, highlighting your ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders

ATS Keywords: Enterprise Sales, Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, Banking, Financial Services, Credit Card Management, Negotiation, Communication, Presentation, Data Analysis, SaaS Platforms, FinTech Knowledge, Customer Engagement, Market Analysis, Relationship Management, Strategic Planning, MENA, Middle East, North Africa, Fintech, Loyalty, Payments, Rewards

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve multiple interviews and assessments, focusing on the candidate's sales and business development skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable using various tools and technologies to manage their sales pipeline, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and analyze data to inform their strategic decisions.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Customer-centricity
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced
• Results-driven and focused on achieving targets
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and open to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and are you comfortable working independently with a high degree of autonomy?
• Are you passionate about building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, particularly within the banking and financial services industry?
• Do you have a proven track record in enterprise sales and business development, with a deep understanding of the credit card domain and Credit Card Management Systems?
• Are you comfortable working remotely and traveling extensively across the MENA region?

ASSUMPTION: Pulse iD values candidates who are innovative, customer-focused, collaborative, and results-driven, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Extensive travel requirements across the MENA region may pose challenges for candidates with family or personal commitments
• The dynamic and fast-paced nature of the role may be overwhelming for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
• The competitive landscape within the Fintech industry may present challenges in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities and strategic partnerships
• The successful candidate will need to navigate cultural and linguistic diversity across the MENA region, which may present unique challenges and opportunities

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be adaptable, resilient, and comfortable working in a dynamic, global environment, with the ability to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other Senior Vice President or Vice President of Partnerships roles within the Fintech industry, but with a specific focus on the Middle East and North Africa region
• The role requires a higher level of industry expertise in the credit card domain and Credit Card Management Systems compared to similar roles
• Career progression in this role may lead to senior leadership or executive positions within the company, depending on the candidate's performance and the company's growth trajectory

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates with a strong background in enterprise sales and business development within the financial services industry, particularly within the MENA region.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic partnership plan with a major bank in the UAE, resulting in a significant increase in revenue and market share
• Negotiating and closing a complex commercial deal with a telco in Saudi Arabia, involving the integration of Pulse iD's platform with the client's existing systems
• Building and maintaining a strong relationship with a key decision-maker in a financial institution in Egypt, leading to multiple successful partnerships and revenue growth

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have a proven track record of successfully managing strategic partnerships and driving revenue growth, with a deep understanding of the credit card domain and Credit Card Management Systems.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's growth trajectory and expansion plans within the MENA region?
• How does this role fit into the company's overall strategy, and what are the key priorities for the first 90 days?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the company in the MENA region, and how can this role help address them?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in senior roles?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employees working remotely and traveling extensively?

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on the candidate's sales and business development skills, industry knowledge, and cultural fit, as well as the company's growth trajectory and expansion plans within the MENA region.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link: https://pulse-id.breezy.hr/p/7e06be4d367d-svp-vp-of-partnerships-mena
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your successful partnerships and deals, demonstrating your ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
• Be ready to discuss your understanding of the credit card domain and Credit Card Management Systems, as well as your proven track record in enterprise sales and business development
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, inquiring about the status of your application and expressing your continued interest in the role

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