Principal, Services Business Development, Qatar & Kuwait Cluster Lead

Role Overview

Principal, Services Business Development, Qatar & Kuwait Cluster Lead at Mastercard, based in Qatar and Kuwait cluster.

Company Overview

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Mastercard Services is a key differentiator, delivering cutting-edge capabilities that help customers grow, innovate, and make smarter decisions. The agile, global Services team develops and delivers end-to-end solutions for a diverse customer base including Financial Institutions, Retail & Commerce, Digital Partners, and Governments. These capabilities include payments-focused consulting, loyalty and marketing solutions, Test & Learn experimentation, and data-driven insights and risk management services.

Role Purpose

Lead the Services business across Qatar and Kuwait with direct accountability for revenue growth, client relationships, business development strategy, and team leadership. Operate as the senior face of Mastercard Services in the cluster, translating client needs into relevant Services propositions and driving complex, high-value opportunities to successful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Strategy

• Develop and execute the Services business development strategy for Qatar and Kuwait with direct revenue and business performance accountability.
• Deliver against ambitious revenue and business development objectives.
• Translate client needs into relevant Mastercard Services propositions, strategies, and actionable plans.
• Partner with Mastercard market and account leadership to define how Services can support client and market strategic priorities.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, including C-suite executives.
• Serve as the senior face of Mastercard Services across Qatar and Kuwait.
• Lead and influence complex, high-value opportunities through compelling, fact-based client engagement and negotiation.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly and deliver persuasive presentations to senior client audiences.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, develop, and coach a senior team working closely with Mastercard account teams and clients.
• Build, recruit, manage, develop, and retain a high-performing team focused on expanding revenue, share, and client impact.
• Operate as a player-coach, actively leading priority opportunities while coaching the team throughout the business development process.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Operations

• Partner closely with Services product teams to align client needs, market priorities, and product innovation road maps.
• Collaborate with Advisors & Consulting Services, Finance, and other internal stakeholders to actively track pipeline, delivery, revenue, and overall business performance.
• Travel regularly across the markets to support clients, advance priority opportunities, and coach the team.

Problem Solving & Analysis

• Apply strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving to complex or ill-defined business challenges.
• Demonstrate ability to lead large, complex deals involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Resolve conflict and navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven track record in progressively complex business development, sales, and strategic account management roles within financial services.
• Significant experience in management consulting and/or data-driven solution selling.
• Payments consulting experience, preferably gained within a management consulting environment.
• Successful experience leading, developing, and coaching senior teams.
• Strong understanding of revenue management and P&L ownership.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep understanding of Mastercard Services value propositions and the ability to translate them into a focused territory and client strategy.
• Strong commercial drive, with demonstrated ability to build, expand, and commercialize senior client relationships.
• Excellent executive communication, presentation, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong networker and collaborator who can listen, build common ground, and influence stakeholders to advance opportunities.
• Experience setting ambitious goals and translating strategic priorities into executable plans.
• Ability to prioritize what matters most, multitask, and be flexible to learn and pivot fast.
• Fluency in English; Arabic language capability is highly desirable.

Additional Information

Corporate Security Responsibility

• Abide by Mastercard's security policies and practices.
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed.
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach.
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard's guidelines.