Director of Business Development

Founded in 2009, we began in the traditional finance world as a leader in the FX space. Sensing the seismic shifts in the financial industry, and the disruptive power of cryptocurrencies and blockchain, we made it our mission to make these decentralized trends accessible to every business, from market leaders to small retailers.

Our transition into the crypto, blockchain, and Web 3.0 space has centered on the development and deployment of seamless enterprise and Web 3.0 solutions. 

By offering implementation and consultation services beyond our product range, we ensure that every business gets the Web 3.0 solutions that fit their needs; and fit snugly within their existing tech stack.

The Director of Business Development will lead strategic initiatives to expand Shift Markets' presence as a digital asset infrastructure and trading technology leader. This role requires a seasoned professional skilled in building partnerships, navigating regulatory landscapes, and bridging traditional finance with decentralized technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Development: Craft and execute a business development strategy tailored for the MENA region, aiming to enhance Shift Markets' presence and penetration in digital finance.
• Client Engagement: Proactively identify and cultivate relationships with potential clients such as crypto exchanges, institutional investors, and fintech firms, ensuring a robust sales pipeline.
• Sales Leadership: Oversee the sales process from negotiation to closure, securing partnerships that align with Shift Markets' strategic objectives and compliance requirements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, legal, and compliance teams to facilitate client onboarding while adhering to regional financial regulations.
• Market Analysis: Conduct thorough market and competitive analysis to inform strategy, identify trends, and uncover potential business opportunities within the crypto and blockchain sector in MENA.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strategic relationships with key decision-makers in the financial and crypto industries to foster partnerships and enhance brand presence.

• Performance Monitoring: Establish and track key performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of sales strategies and ensure targets are met.

Requirements

• Ability to analyze markets, assess partnership opportunities, and craft long-term strategies.
• Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable terms, with the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Deep knowledge of blockchain, fintech, crypto trends, and traditional finance, along with the ability to anticipate industry shifts.
• Expertise in setting KPIs, analyzing partnership impact, and making data-backed decisions to guide strategy.
• 5+ years in fintech, blockchain, or digital assets, with a track record of leading high-impact partnerships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Strategic planning skills

Qualifications:

• Extensive experience (5+ years) in fintech, blockchain, or digital assets
• Proven track record in partnership development, especially with high-impact collaborations
• Knowledge of crypto and traditional finance ecosystems and regulatory landscapes
• Ability to engage C-level stakeholders and lead cross-functional projects

This position requires working 40 hours per week and is intended for candidates based in Dubai only. Candidates living outside of Dubai will not be considered.