Partnership & Business Development Manager

Overall Purpose Of The Job (Brief description of the primary purpose of this position)

Aspire Lifestyles is a globally recognized leader in Concierge and Loyalty solutions, catering to prestigious client segments such as banking, payments, insurance, luxury retail, luxury automobiles, and luxury real estate. Our mission is to develop and deliver exceptional products and services that enhance our clients' loyalty programs, with a keen focus on maximizing return on investment for our clients. To fulfill this ambition, we rely on a sophisticated and strategically curated network of high-quality partners that support the complex needs of our diverse clientele across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Role Summary
As the Partnerships & Business Development Manager for the MEA region, you will play a critical role in driving Aspire’s growth through two primary strategic avenues:

• Strategic Partnership Ecosystem Development – MEA and Europe
  Build, expand, and optimize an elite network of partners encompassing hospitality, dining, entertainment, luxury retail, travel, and experiential sectors. You will craft exclusive and differentiated partnership propositions that enrich our concierge service offerings, providing substantial value to premium clients. Your initiatives will focus on commercial monetization through structured revenue models including commissions, marketing funding, and exclusive agreements. You will ensure that our regional partnerships align with Aspire's global standards while adeptly adapting to the nuances of the local market. Collaborating cross-functionally with operations and account management teams will be essential to ensure optimal partner performance, service quality, and an exceptional client experience.
• New Business Development & Revenue Growth
  Identify and actively engage potential clients across key verticals including financial services, payments, automotive, luxury brands, insurance, and affluent customer ecosystems. You will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for the MEA region aimed at expanding Aspire’s market footprint. Leading commercial negotiations and structuring tailored solutions will be essential to securing new business and fostering enduring partnerships. Position Aspire not just as a service provider but as a strategic partner in loyalty and customer engagement, forging strong executive relationships at the C-suite level to ensure sustainable revenue growth.

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the growth trajectory of a premier global concierge and loyalty organization, requiring a dynamic professional adept at navigating complex markets and building influential partnerships.

Experience and Expertise Required

• 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in partnership development, business growth, and marketing within loyalty and rewards programs, merchant acquisition, travel, or hospitality sectors, inclusive of digital e-commerce partnerships.
• Direct experience in Saudi Arabia and large MEA markets is highly desirable to navigate regional market dynamics effectively.
• A robust and broad network of merchant relationships in dining, retail, travel, affluent access, and lifestyle sectors is essential, with competencies extending to digital platforms for dining and travel.
• Demonstrated success in experiential and event management, notably serving high-net-worth and affluent clientele, providing seamless luxury experiences.
• Proven leadership skills managing senior stakeholders and cross-disciplinary teams to deliver strategic initiatives collaboratively.

Preferred Industry Background

• Established networks and insights in sectors including:
  – Banking and Financial Institutions (Credit Cards, Private Banking, Wealth Management, NRI Banking)
  – Hospitality and Real Estate (Hotels, Restaurants, Luxury Residential, Facility Management, Loyalty Providers)
  – Luxury Automotive (Premium and High-End Manufacturers)
  – Insurance Services and Loyalty Program Providers

Critical Competencies

• Exceptional relationship-building abilities, fostering trust and rapport with partners and clients alike.
• Acute understanding of client marketing objectives, enabling the alignment and customization of partnership benefits.
• Proficiency in crafting compelling client proposals and delivering persuasive presentations that resonate with diverse stakeholders.
• Deep commercial insight into partners’ and clients’ business models, translating this into valuable and mutually beneficial propositions.
• Strong awareness of affluent lifestyle trends spanning travel, dining, shopping, sports, entertainment, culture, and exclusive experiences.
• Knowledgeable in credit card and luxury brand loyalty programs, as well as digital marketing and social media strategies.
• Highly self-motivated with the capacity to work independently, prioritize, and manage time effectively under minimal supervision.
• Detail-oriented, maintaining professionalism and a calm, logical approach in all aspects of work.
• Demonstrated track record of executing projects successfully and delivering measurable business outcomes.

Educational Qualifications

A degree in Marketing, Business Management, Hospitality, or a related field is required, evidencing a solid academic foundation aligned with the role’s demands.

Language Proficiency

Fluency in both Arabic and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills, is necessary to navigate the multicultural business environment effectively and engage with stakeholders across the MEA region.