Partnership Manager Merchant Partnerships & Loyalty

Job Title: Partnership Manager -Merchant Partnerships & LoyaltyTerm: 12 monthsLocation: Abu Dhabi, UAEDivision: Card Issuing BankReports to: TBCPurpose of the ProjectThe position holder will be responsible for driving strategic merchant relationships and loyalty initiatives for a leading card issuer. We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Partnership Manager to lead the sourcing, management, and optimisation of merchant partnerships and loyalty programs for our card issuing bank in the United Arab Emirates. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in expanding our merchant network, enhancing customer value propositions, and driving cardholder engagement through innovative loyalty initiatives.Core Responsibilities and AccountabilitiesIdentify, negotiate, and onboard new merchant partners across diverse sectors, ensuring alignment with the bank's strategic objectives and customer needsBuild and maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing merchant partners, acting as the primary point of contact and ensuring high levels of satisfaction and collaborationDesign, implement, and optimize loyalty programs and offers, leveraging merchant partnerships to create compelling value propositions for cardholdersConduct market research to identify emerging trends, competitive offerings, and new partnership opportunities within the UAE and broader GCC regionTrack and analyse the effectiveness of merchant partnerships and loyalty initiatives, using data-driven insights to refine strategies and maximize impactWork closely with product, marketing, risk, and compliance teams to ensure seamless execution of partnership and loyalty initiativesLead negotiations with merchants to secure favourable terms, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with bank policiesContinuously seek opportunities to enrich the cardholder experience through exclusive offers, rewards, and merchant-driven benefitsKnowledge and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or related field; MBA is a plusMinimum 5 years of experience in partnership management, merchant acquisition, or loyalty program management within banking, payments, or fintech sectorsDeep understanding of the UAE retail, hospitality, and e-commerce landscapesProven track record of negotiating and managing high-value partnershipsExcellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skillsStrong analytical skills and proficiency in data-driven decision makingMandatory SkillsPrevious experience within Banking, Payment & Card solutions or the FinTech industryAble to analyse complex information, anticipate risks and opportunities, and make decisions that balance long-term strategy with commercial outcomesAdept at fostering strong, trust-based relationships across all levels. Skilled in understanding stakeholder needs, managing expectations, and navigating diverse perspectives to drive collaboration and shared outcomesAble to negotiate effectively, gain buy-in from stakeholders, and drive agreement even in complex or high-pressure situationsPreferred SkillsProject management and the ability to multitaskFluency in English required; Arabic language skills preferredCultural awareness and adaptability#J-18808-Ljbffr