Partner – Financial Services

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