Senior Manager, CEMEA, Partnerships and Sponsorships Commercialization

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Senior Manager, CEMEA, Partnerships and Sponsorships Commercialization to join Visa Saudi Arabia LLC in Riyadh. In this pivotal role, you will lead the development and execution of innovative partnership and sponsorship strategies across the CEMEA (Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region. Your primary responsibility will be to drive commercialization efforts that enhance Visa’s market presence, deepen customer engagement, and foster long-term business growth. This position requires a blend of commercial acumen, relationship management expertise, and a passion for creating impactful sponsorship initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership Development: Identify, negotiate, and manage high-impact partnerships and sponsorships that align with Visa’s business objectives across the CEMEA region. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including marketing, product, and legal teams, to ensure seamless integration of partnership initiatives.
• Commercialization Leadership: Drive the commercialization of sponsorships by developing revenue-generating opportunities, such as co-branded campaigns, exclusive content, and innovative activation strategies. Leverage data-driven insights to optimize performance and maximize ROI for Visa and its partners.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including corporate partners, sports leagues, cultural organizations, and event organizers. Act as the primary liaison between Visa and external partners to ensure alignment on goals, deliverables, and timelines.
• Market Expansion: Lead initiatives to expand Visa’s footprint in the CEMEA region through targeted sponsorships and partnerships. Monitor market trends, competitive landscapes, and consumer preferences to identify new opportunities for growth and differentiation.
• Performance Measurement: Establish KPIs and metrics to evaluate the success of partnership and sponsorship initiatives. Provide regular reports to senior leadership on performance, ROI, and strategic recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with regional and global teams to ensure consistency in Visa’s sponsorship and partnership strategies. Align regional efforts with global objectives while tailoring initiatives to local market dynamics.
• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate risks associated with partnerships and sponsorships, including legal, financial, and reputational considerations. Ensure compliance with Visa’s policies and industry regulations.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in partnerships, sponsorships, or commercialization, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Prior experience in the payments, fintech, or financial services industry is highly desirable.
• Skills:
  • Proven track record in developing and executing high-impact partnership and sponsorship strategies.
  • Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify revenue-generating opportunities.
  • Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
  • Data-driven mindset with proficiency in analyzing performance metrics and ROI.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on results.
  • Fluency in English; additional languages such as Arabic are a strong asset.
• Personal Attributes: Strategic thinker, collaborative leader, and proactive problem-solver with a passion for innovation and driving business growth.

Why Join Visa Saudi Arabia LLC?

As a global leader in digital payments, Visa is committed to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Joining our team in Riyadh offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment where you can make a tangible impact on Visa’s growth in the CEMEA region. You will collaborate with talented professionals, contribute to cutting-edge initiatives, and be part of a company that is shaping the future of commerce. Visa offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that values diversity, creativity, and continuous learning.