Team Lead – Referral Programme (Partnerships)

• Department: Sales / Business Development
• Reporting To: CRO / VP of Sales
• Location: Dubai or Cyprus

• Employment Type: Full-Time

   

About the Company

On behalf of our client who is a fast-growing international fintech and payments company operating within the global online gaming and digital merchant ecosystem, we are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Team Lead – Referral Programme to design, build, and scale their global referral ecosystem.

This is a high-impact role focused on creating a structured, scalable referral channel that consistently introduces qualified merchants and partners to the business.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing the referral programme commercially and technologically, establishing the systems and processes required to track and manage referrals, and building a small team responsible for expanding and managing the referral network.

This role combines commercial strategy, partner ecosystem development, and operational leadership, with the goal of turning referrals into a consistent and measurable merchant acquisition channel.

Key Responsibilities

1. Referral Programme Development

• Design, structure, and launch a scalable referral programme that attracts partners capable of introducing qualified merchants and operators.
• Develop the commercial framework of the programme, including commission structures, incentive models, partner tiers, and growth strategies.
• Create a clear and compelling value proposition for referral partners, ensuring the programme is competitive and attractive within the market.
• Continuously optimise the programme based on performance data and partner feedback.

1. Technology & Systems

• Implement and manage the technology infrastructure required to support a professional referral programme, including referral tracking, attribution, performance reporting, and commission management.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure seamless integration between the referral programme and the company’s CRM and sales processes.
• Build scalable operational systems that allow the programme to grow without increasing operational complexity.
• Continuously evaluate and introduce tools or platforms that improve efficiency, transparency, and partner experience.

1. Partner Network Development

• Build and expand a global network of referral partners, introducers, and industry intermediaries capable of generating high-quality merchant introductions.
• Identify and recruit partners who operate within relevant ecosystems and have access to merchants or operators aligned with our business.
• Develop long-term commercial relationships with key referral partners and ensure the programme remains attractive and competitive.
• Actively grow the referral partner ecosystem into a meaningful and consistent source of new merchant opportunities.

1. Team Leadership

• Build and lead a small team responsible for managing and expanding the referral programme.
• Provide clear direction, training, and support to ensure the team can effectively identify and develop referral partnerships.
• Create a results-driven culture focused on partner acquisition, referral generation, and pipeline growth.
• Implement clear performance metrics and KPIs aligned with the growth of the referral channel.

1. Performance Management & Reporting

• Track and analyse referral programme performance, including referral volume, conversion rates, partner productivity, and revenue generated.
• Maintain clear visibility over the referral pipeline and partner activity.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to senior leadership on programme performance and growth opportunities.
• Use performance data to refine incentive structures, partner segmentation, and overall programme strategy.

Skills & Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience building or managing referral, partnership, or affiliate programmes that drive measurable business growth.
• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to design incentive structures and partner ecosystems that scale effectively.
• Experience implementing or working with referral programme technology, CRM systems, or partner tracking platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performing teams within a growth-focused environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and optimise performance.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills with the ability to build long-term commercial partnerships.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build new acquisition channels from the ground up.

Desirable

• Experience working within digital industries, online platforms, or international merchant ecosystems.
• Familiarity with partner, affiliate, or referral management tools and platforms.
• Experience building partner-driven acquisition channels in fast-growing companies.
• Understanding of the online gaming, digital commerce, or fintech landscape.

What is Offered

• Competitive base salary with a performance-based bonus tied to referral programme growth and revenue generation.
• Private medical insurance.
• Opportunity to play a key role in building and scaling a global acquisition channel within a rapidly growing company.
• Exposure to international markets, partners, and industry networks.
• A fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment with direct access to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.
• Offices in Dubai and Cyprus, with flexibility depending on the successful candidate’s location.