Emerging Markets Lead

Column

Job Overview

Location

Remote

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• As the Emerging Markets Lead at Column, you will be at the forefront of our most critical international expansion initiatives, spearheading the 0-to-1 growth of a groundbreaking new banking product. This role is designed for a visionary leader with a passion for building new markets and a proven ability to forge deep, strategic relationships within the financial technology and banking sectors.
• You will be instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and executing high-value partnerships with banks across a diverse range of international markets, with a strategic emphasis on Eastern Europe and Central Asia. This involves a deep dive into understanding local market dynamics, regulatory landscapes, and the competitive ecosystem to inform and shape Column's global expansion strategy.
• Your responsibilities will extend to serving as the primary relationship owner for both prospective and existing customers. This hands-on engagement will involve regular in-person meetings, active participation in local industry events, and the continuous nurturing of partnership development to foster long-term collaboration and trust.
• You will own the entire partnership execution process, from initial outreach and engagement to the final contract signature. This requires a highly collaborative approach, working seamlessly with Column's Legal, Compliance, and Product teams to navigate complex deal structures and ensure successful outcomes.
• A key aspect of this role is developing and maintaining comprehensive market intelligence. You will be responsible for gathering and synthesizing crucial insights on local market conditions, evolving regulatory frameworks, the competitive landscape, and the nuanced needs of customers. This intelligence will directly inform Column's strategic direction and product development in these key regions.
• To excel in this position, you will need to cultivate deep expertise in the correspondent banking space within our target emerging markets. This includes building and leveraging an extensive network within their respective banking and fintech ecosystems, becoming a trusted advisor and connector.
• You will also be tasked with driving operational excellence by developing and implementing scalable processes for partner onboarding, ongoing relationship management, and dedicated support. These processes will be designed for replication and adaptation as Column continues its global expansion.
• This role offers a unique opportunity to be a foundational member of a new business line, enjoying significant autonomy and wielding direct influence over Column's global expansion strategy. It's a chance to shape the future of financial technology infrastructure on an international scale.
• The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a robust understanding of financial services and technology, capable of assessing market opportunities, evaluating potential partners, and providing actionable strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• You will need to be hyper-organized, with exceptional project management skills, adept at coordinating efforts across multiple internal teams and external stakeholders. The ability to comfortably juggle multiple projects and priorities simultaneously is critical for success.
• A scrappy, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude is essential. We value individuals who are driven, creative, and possess a zero-ego mentality, willing to put in the hard work and innovative thinking required to build a successful business from the ground up.
• This position offers the flexibility to be based in Dubai or another key international financial hub, with regular travel throughout the designated emerging markets and quarterly visits to Column's headquarters in San Francisco.
• You will be joining a company that is fundamentally changing how financial technology is built, by providing a direct, efficient, and cost-effective banking infrastructure. Your work will directly contribute to enabling fintechs and builders to innovate faster and serve their customers better, by removing the traditional bottlenecks of legacy banking systems.
• This role is for someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building from scratch, and is motivated by the prospect of creating significant impact in a rapidly evolving global market. You will be a key architect of Column's international presence and success.

🎯 Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in business operations, growth, or partnerships, preferably within a high-caliber technology company or management consulting firm.
• Native or professional fluency in Russian is essential for effective communication and relationship building in the target markets.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex partnerships and high-value deals with executive stakeholders.
• A natural networker with a demonstrated ability to build trust and long-term relationships with senior executives, market experts, and decision-makers.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assess market opportunities, evaluate potential partners, and provide strategic recommendations.
• Hyper-organized approach to project management, with the ability to coordinate efforts across multiple teams and juggle multiple projects and priorities.
• Scrappy, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude and a willingness to get hands-on to build a business.

🏖️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, with options that are 100% covered by Column for employees and dependents.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options for pre-tax savings on medical and dependent care expenses.
• 401k plan, including self-directed brokerage options for investment flexibility.
• Generous flexible time-off policy, allowing employees to take the time they need to relax and recharge.
• 100% paid parental leave, with specific provisions for birth mothers, primary caregivers, and secondary caregivers.
• Annual reimbursements of up to $4,500 for backup childcare expenses.
• Regular team-building events and an annual offsite to foster camaraderie and collaboration.

Skills & Technologies

Senior

Remote

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About Column

Column is a technology company focused on revolutionizing the insurance industry. They provide a modern, API-first platform designed to streamline and automate insurance processes for carriers, agents, and brokers. Their solutions aim to simplify policy administration, claims management, and distribution, enabling faster innovation and improved customer experiences. By leveraging advanced technology and data analytics, Column empowers businesses to build, manage, and scale their insurance products more efficiently. The company is committed to creating a more accessible and efficient insurance ecosystem through its comprehensive software solutions.

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