Manager, External Affairs - UAE

About Checkout.com

Checkout.com powers digital payments for some of the world’s best-known brands, helping businesses deliver smooth online experiences at massive scale. The company processes more than 10 billion transactions each day for over one billion shoppers around the globe and operates from 20 offices across six continents, with London as its headquarters.

The organization moves quickly, thinks globally, and looks for people who bring conviction, curiosity, and a strong drive to make an impact. This role sits within a fast-growing team supporting expansion across MENA.

Role summary

The company is hiring a Senior Scheme Relationship Specialist to strengthen and expand partnerships in the UAE and wider MENA region. The role focuses on managing relationships with acquiring banks, alternative payment methods, card networks such as Visa and Mastercard, and other payment providers, while helping shape and execute partnership strategy.

Reporting to the Head of Financial Partnerships - MENA, this position calls for someone who can independently manage multiple projects and partnerships, apply solid payments expertise, and work with a hands-on approach in a fast-scaling environment.

What you will do

• Oversee commercial relationships with acquiring banks, APMs, and card networks to help build strong payment solutions for merchants.
• Support growth initiatives across regions and payment methods by working closely with the broader team.
• Negotiate operational and commercial terms that benefit Checkout.com while keeping both internal and external stakeholders aligned.
• Track partnership processes closely, ensure commitments are delivered on both sides, and help create new workflows that improve scale, efficiency, and performance.
• Work across partner teams such as relationship management, business development, risk, compliance, product, and operations.
• Act as the main point of contact for assigned partnerships, both inside the business and with external partners.
• Use payments expertise to support expansion into new products, services, and market segments through partnerships.
• Build and execute commercial agreements and go-to-market plans that create value for both sides.
• Apply knowledge of the payments landscape and partner capabilities to guide internal teams as a subject matter expert.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience in payments.
• Hands-on background in payment processing, acquiring, or managing payment partnerships.
• Strong understanding of payment flows, with the ability to spot issues, troubleshoot blockers, and explain them clearly to wider teams.
• Experience with card networks or payment service providers for acquiring transactions is a strong advantage.
• A blend of operations, project management, and relationship management skills.
• Clear ownership mindset with a focus on delivering business outcomes through strong partner management.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across internal and external teams.
• Analytical, data-led, and strategic approach to solving problems and identifying growth opportunities.
• Comfort working across time zones and cultures in a globally distributed team.

Additional information

Checkout.com aims to create an environment where high performers can thrive through ownership, reduced friction, and meaningful work from day one. The company values ambition, teamwork, and individual growth.

The organization is committed to accessibility and encourages candidates to share any support they need during the application process or at work to help make the experience more comfortable.

Working model

This role follows a hybrid setup, with three days per week in the office to support collaboration and connection. The workplace is in Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Life at Checkout.com

The company encourages candidates to learn more about its culture, open roles, and daily life through its careers pages and social channels.