Head of Strategy

Who Are We

HALA is a leading fintech player in the MENAP region that aims to redefine financial services and build the future bank of SMEs. HALA aims at empowering SMEs to start, run, and grow their businesses by providing them with cutting-edge financial and technological tools.

HALA currently holds multiple entities in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt (including HALA Payments, HALA Cashier and HALA Logistics) and offers solutions that enable merchants to digitize their payments as well as manage their sales and operations.

Founded in 2017, HALA is currently duly licensed by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank as well as the Financials Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) in Abu Dhabi Global Market.

The Job in a Nutshell

The Head of Strategy is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the overall corporate strategy of the organization. This role involves working closely with senior leadership to define and drive strategic initiatives that support long-term growth, competitiveness, and sustainability in alignment with the company’s vision and objectives. The Head of Strategy will lead market analysis, business planning, competitive positioning, and cross-functional strategic projects.

What You Will Do

1- Strategic Planning and Development:

• Lead the development and execution of the company’s corporate strategy, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision, mission, and long-term objectives.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and benchmarking to identify new opportunities for growth, both in existing and potential new markets.
• Analyze trends in the industry, including technology advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving customer needs to inform strategic decision-making.
  
  

2- Cascading Strategy And Alignment

• Translate the corporate strategy into actionable initiatives at the departmental level, ensuring clear alignment between overall company objectives and department-level goals.
• Work closely with department heads to develop specific initiatives, KPIs, and performance metrics that align with the company’s strategic goals.
• Ensure that strategic objectives are communicated clearly across the organization, driving alignment and understanding of the strategy at all levels.
  
  

3- Business Growth And Expansion

• Lead business case development and financial modeling for key strategic initiatives.
• Work with cross-functional teams to assess the feasibility of new business ideas, product innovations, and geographical expansion strategies.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to prioritize strategic investments and resource allocation across departments.
  
  

4- Performance Monitoring And Reporting

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the success of strategic initiatives, ensuring objectives are met in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Regularly report on progress against strategic goals to the board of directors and senior leadership.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews of strategic initiatives, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
  
  

5- Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure buy-in and support for the strategic agenda.
• Communicate the company’s strategy and long-term vision to employees, investors, and partners to ensure alignment across the organization.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration between departments to ensure seamless execution of strategic initiatives.
• Innovation and Market Foresight:
• Lead the company’s efforts in innovation by identifying and promoting new ideas, technologies, or business models that can drive competitive advantage.
• Stay informed about global industry trends, market shifts, and disruptive forces that could impact the business, providing foresight into future strategic directions.
  
  

6- Risk Management

• Identify and assess strategic risks that may impact the organization’s ability to achieve its goals and objectives.
• Develop mitigation plans and ensure that strategic initiatives are designed to account for potential risks.
• Ensure that the company’s strategy aligns with regulatory requirements and business ethics.
  
  

What Are We Looking For

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree is strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in corporate strategy, business development, or management consulting, preferably in a high-growth or technology-driven environment.
• Proven track record of driving large-scale strategic initiatives from conception through execution.
• Prior experience in a fintech, technology, or financial services environment is highly desirable.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for the future, balancing short-term needs with long-term growth.
• Analytical: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
• Leadership: Exceptional leadership and team management skills with the ability to influence and motivate cross-functional teams.
• Business Acumen: Deep understanding of business operations, financial planning, and competitive positioning.
• Communication: Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging effectively with senior leadership, board members, and external stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving capabilities with the ability to anticipate challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery and successful outcomes.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and respond quickly to emerging challenges and opportunities.
• Negotiation and Partnership Building: Skilled in building strategic partnerships and negotiating high-stakes deals.
  
  

What We Offer You

We believe you will love working at HALA!

• We have an inclusive and diverse culture that encourages innovation and flexibility in remote, in-office, and hybrid work setups.
• We offer highly competitive compensation packages, including the potential for shares.
• We prioritize personal development and offer regular training and an annual learning stipend to tackle new challenges and grow your career in a hyper-growth environment.
• Join a talented team of over 30 nationalities working in 7 countries and gain valuable experience in an exciting industry.
• We offer autonomy, mentoring, and challenging goals that create incredible opportunities for both you and the company.
• You will be given a lot of responsibility and trust We believe that the best results come when the people responsible for a function are given the freedom to do what they think is best
  
  

If you think you have what it takes to join a remarkable team #apply_now