We are seeking a Partner to grow our Banking business within the Financial Services practice in the Middle East. Financial Services is a key business line for Roland Berger globally, and banking represents a significant growth opportunity for the firm in the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
Role purpose
- Grow Roland Berger’s relationships and consulting business with commercial banks and other banking-sector stakeholders across the Middle East, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia.
- The Partner will originate and lead high-impact strategy and transformation mandates, deepen relationships with senior banking executives, and contribute to the continued development of Roland Berger’s Financial Services practice in the region.
Key responsibilities
- Originate and lead banking mandates across strategy, growth, transformation, operating model, digital and technology, cost and productivity, and other CEO-level strategic priorities
- Develop and manage senior client relationships with CEOs, board members, business heads, and other C-suite executives across leading banks in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and UAE
- Shape bank-wide strategies and transformations, including corporate strategy, business portfolio and growth strategy, customer and distribution strategy, digital transformation, operating model, and performance improvement.
- Build Roland Berger’s banking franchise in the region, developing priority accounts, building a strong pipeline, and converting senior relationships into sustainable client partnerships and revenues.
- Bring deep banking sector expertise, combining an understanding of regional market dynamics with relevant global trends and best practices across retail, corporate and wholesale banking.
- Provide senior oversight and quality assurance on complex banking engagements, ensuring rigorous problem solving, practical recommendations, and tangible client impact.
- Build and mentor a high-performing Financial Services team, developing banking capabilities and supporting the attraction, development, and retention of strong consulting talent.
- Collaborate across practices and geographies, working closely with Roland Berger’s global Financial Services network and relevant functional and sector practices to bring the best capabilities to Middle East clients.
- Support building Roland Berger’s external profile in banking, representing the firm with clients, regulators, industry forums, and other ecosystem stakeholders and contributing to relevant thought leadership.
Required experience
- 15+ years of professional experience, with substantial experience in strategy consulting serving banks and financial institutions.
- Strategy consulting experience is essential, ideally with a leading international strategy consulting firm.
- Currently based and working in the Middle East, with at least 3-5 years of recent Middle East experience.
- Deep banking experience in the Middle East, with particular strength in Saudi Arabia/UAE and a demonstrated understanding of its banking market and competitive landscape.
- Proven track record of originating and leading large strategic and transformation engagements for banks, with strong senior client relationships and commercial credentials.
- Broad exposure to key banking topics such as corporate and growth strategy, retail and corporate banking, customer strategy, digital transformation, operating models, productivity, and performance improvement.
- Experience working with CEOs, boards, and senior banking executives, with the ability to operate as a trusted strategic adviser.
Arabic language capability is an advantage but not mandatory.
Skills and attributes
- Strong commercial and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to originate business, build senior relationships, and develop major accounts over time.
- Deep banking expertise and strategic judgment, with the ability to engage credibly with bank CEOs and senior executives on their most important strategic issues.
- Exceptional C-suite communication and relationship skills, combining intellectual credibility with the ability to build long-term client trust.
- Strong problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to translate complex banking issues into clear strategic choices and executable solutions.
- Senior leadership presence, with the ability to lead large, complex engagements and multidisciplinary teams in demanding client environments.
- Inclusive people leadership, with a strong track record of developing senior consulting talent and collaborating effectively across practices and geographies.
- Entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, with the ambition to help build Roland Berger’s Financial Services franchise rather than simply manage an existing portfolio.