Partnerships Manager

Location: Dubai, UAE · Onsite office Abu DhabiThe role in one line: own every partnership that brings SMEs to WorldFirst across the UAE — from first handshake to referred revenue.Who we areWorldFirst moves money for over a million SMEs, connecting them to 100+ global marketplaces.

Part of Ant Group since 2019, our purpose is simple: make it easy to do business anywhere. Our Partnerships team is how that purpose becomes growth — building the referral, affiliate and enterprise relationships that bring the next generation of SMEs onto WorldFirst.Why this role is excitingThis is a true player-coach role based in Abu Dhabi. You’ll own the partner portfolio end-to-end, carry real commercial targets from day one, and shape strategy as you get hands-on closing deals. Small team, big mandate, and full ownership of your pipeline.What you’ll doGrow the base. Acquire, manage and grow referral, affiliate and enterprise (API) partners - marketplaces, free zones and corporate service providers - that bring clients to WorldFirst. Negotiate terms that protect margin and drive volume.Activate partners. Onboard smoothly across internal teams, train partner sales teams to pitch WorldFirst with confidence - including live tag-along support - and run co-marketing (webinars, trade shows, campaigns) that generates quality referrals.Manage and expand.Run a regular cadence with your partner network, personally onboard high-value referred clients, and represent WorldFirst at industry events and CXO-level conversations wherever the partnership needs you.Stay data-driven. Keep pipeline and CRM/MI reporting sharp so leadership decides on facts, not feelings - and keep improving the process behind it.Who we’re looking for6+ years in consultative sales or partnerships in fintech/payments, selling into the e-commerce and import/export ecosystem - directly and through channel partners - with a track record of beating demanding targets. University degree in business or a related field.Warm, deep connections across the UAE ecosystem are a significant edge: marketplace seller recruitment and advertising teams (Noon, Amazon), service provider networks, e-commerce enablers (TikTok, Shopify), free zones and CSPs focused on trade, and the importer/re-exporter community (Dragon Mart, Yiwu Market, produce markets).Senior enough for the boardroom, hands-on enough for the sales floor - at home speaking with a partner’s CXO suite or rolling up your sleeves alongside their sales team.Results-driven: you thrive under ambitious targets and deliver clear, concise strategies - even in ambiguity. Disciplined with data, relentless about results.What’s in it for youCompetitive UAE salary plus bonus tied to your numbers. Visa, medical cover and standard Dubai benefits.The backing of Ant International - products, brand and executive access few companies can match, from one of the world’s largest fintech businesses.A lean, nimble team with real ownership - your portfolio, your pipeline, your wins.Who we areWorldFirst is an equal-opportunity employer. We build diverse, inclusive teams where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential — and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.How to ApplySend your CV via the LinkedIn application, or directly to our talent speciality Cecilia Zhang https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-z-834948195/.Shortlisted candidates can expect an intro call, a commercial deep-dive and a final conversation with leadership — we aim to move quickly.