Senior Manager - Regional Partnerships Channel.Neo Biz MBP.Retail Banking Group MBPKLTD

Job Purpose
The Regional Partnerships Channel Manager – NEO Biz is responsible for building, managing, and scaling SME-focused partnership channels to drive customer acquisition, activation, deepening and revenue for Mashreq Bank’s NEO Biz segment. The role focuses on partnerships with SME ecosystems, including but not limited to distributors, fintechs, telcos, business associations, e-commerce enablers, payment aggregators, and professional networks, ensuring compliant, scalable, and high-quality SME onboarding into NEO Biz.
Key Result Areas
SME Partnership Development
Identify and onboard strategic SME acquisition partners aligned with NEO Biz growth strategy
Develop partnerships with Distribution companies, Fintechs, and SME platforms, Accounting, ERP, POS, and invoicing providers, Business associations, chambers, and trade bodies, Telcos, marketplaces, and digital enablers
Structure commercial models/business cases including referral-based, revenue share, bundled offerings, and co-branded propositions for liabilities, assets, BaaS etc.
Negotiate commercial terms, KPIs, SLAs, and partner performance frameworks
Regional Channel Management
Own partner-driven SME acquisition across the assigned region
Set and deliver regional targets for:
SME account openings
CASA balances and transaction activity
Product penetration (payments, financing, value-added services)
Drive partner productivity through regular reviews, performance tracking, and corrective action plans
Expand regional footprint by identifying white spaces and new partnership opportunities

Execution & Partner Enablement
Lead partner onboarding including documentation, compliance approvals, and system enablement
Train partner teams on:
NEO Biz proposition and value-added services
Digital onboarding journeys and SME eligibility criteria
Islamic banking principles relevant to SME products
Coordinate closely with internal teams (Product, Risk, Compliance, Operations, Technology, Marketing) to ensure smooth execution
Act as the first escalation point for partner issues and operational challenges
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Key Skills & Competencies
Strong understanding of SME banking and digital acquisition models
Proven experience in partnerships, channel sales, or ecosystem development
Commercial negotiation and deal-structuring capability
Ability to work cross-functionally in a regulated banking environment
Strong analytical and execution mindset
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Qualifications & Experience
Masters’s degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, or related field
8-12 years of experience in partnerships, SME banking, fintech, or channel sales
Prior experience with:
SME ecosystems or digital platforms
Banking, Islamic banking, BaaS or fintech environments
Regional/multi-city experience preferred
Understanding of SME compliance, KYC, and onboarding processes is a strong plus