Partner – Financial Services (Banking)

About the role

Roland Berger is seeking a Partner to grow its Banking business within the Financial Services practice in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia. Financial Services is a key business line for the firm globally, and banking represents a significant growth opportunity in the region. The Partner will originate and lead high-impact strategy and transformation mandates, deepen relationships with senior banking executives and help develop the Financial Services practice.

Key responsibilities

• Originate and lead banking mandates across strategy, growth, transformation, operating model, digital and technology, cost and productivity, and other CEO-level 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, especially Saudi Arabia and the 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 the banking franchise in the region by developing priority accounts, building a strong pipeline and converting senior relationships into sustainable partnerships and revenue.
• Provide senior oversight and quality assurance on complex banking engagements, and mentor a high-performing Financial Services team.
• Collaborate across practices and geographies with the global Financial Services network and sector practices.
• Represent the firm with clients, regulators and industry forums and contribute to thought leadership.

Required profile

• 15+ years of professional experience, with substantial strategy consulting experience serving banks and financial institutions; strategy consulting is essential, ideally with a leading international firm.
• Currently based 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.
• Proven track record of originating and leading large strategic and transformation engagements for banks, with strong senior client relationships.
• Broad exposure to 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 executives as a trusted strategic adviser.
• Arabic is an advantage but not mandatory.

Required skills

• Strong commercial and entrepreneurial mindset, able to originate business and build major accounts.
• Exceptional C-suite communication and relationship skills.
• Senior leadership presence, able to lead large, complex engagements and multidisciplinary teams.
• Inclusive people leadership, with a track record of developing senior consulting talent.