Network Development Director - Pakistan & South Asia

About Thunes

Thunes is a cutting-edge global payments network enabling fast money transfers worldwide. Its proprietary Direct Global Network supports real-time payments across more than 130 countries and over 80 currencies. This extensive network connects over 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts globally through more than 350 payment methods, including popular platforms such as GCash, M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, Orange, JazzCash, Easypaisa, AliPay, and WeChat Pay.

Serving a diverse membership that includes gig economy leaders (e.g., Uber, Deliveroo), super-apps (Grab, WeChat), MTOs, fintechs, PSPs, and banks, Thunes stands out by offering worldwide reach combined with a proprietary Smart Treasury Management Platform and robust compliance infrastructure. This ensures unparalleled speed, transparency, control, security, and cost-efficiency in executing global real-time payments. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes maintains offices in 12 cities worldwide, including Riyadh.

Role Context

Reporting directly to the Head of Network (APAC), the Network Development Director is responsible for building and maintaining sustainable partnerships across the payments and financial services ecosystem in South Asia and Central Asia. The focus is on developing and scaling networks of banks, cash networks, wallet providers, acquirers, payment facilitators, card issuers, and processors to enhance Thunes’ payout and pay-in capabilities in Pakistan and the surrounding region. The role demands a self-driven professional with high energy and solid commercial insight.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strategic banking and network partnerships by leading joint initiatives and introducing new solutions that benefit Thunes’ users.
• Handle the entire sales process from lead generation through to live account management with a strong metrics-oriented partner management approach.
• Utilize deep industry insight to design partnership and product strategies in collaboration with business development and cross-functional teams including risk, compliance, legal, product, engineering, and treasury.
• Partner closely with business development and financial institutions to negotiate deals aligned with strategic goals and ensure thorough execution plans are in place.
• Coordinate inputs and activities among internal stakeholders to shape and implement partner strategies effectively.
• Provide comprehensive network strategy guidance internally and drive its advancement with financial institutions.
• Engage with senior officials at Central Banks to facilitate regulatory approvals and oversee rollout coordination for new services targeting key partners and customers.
• Participate in industry events and actively follow up on generated leads.
• Maintain accurate records and reports, leveraging CRM tools to track sales activities, account status, and strategic plans, and communicate progress regularly to management.
• Build and sustain strong working relationships with colleagues and clients to streamline communication, resolve issues, and ensure high retention and satisfaction among existing accounts.

Professional Experience and Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree is required.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in partnership development and account management within financial institutions and payment companies across the region.
• Proven ability to coordinate with diverse stakeholders including compliance, legal, solutions delivery, treasury, and finance teams.
• Strong negotiation skills paired with ambitious vision for value creation and differentiation alongside network partners.
• Experience in complex, innovative deals with major financial institutions, involving interactions at C-Level executive tiers.
• Operationally driven with aptitude to see deals through from initiation to full execution by effectively leading teams using planning, metrics, and organizational frameworks.
• Decisive leader capable of prioritizing and managing competing demands and complex challenges.