Retail Partnerships Lead - UAE Nationals Only

Responsible for the Lifestyle & Localization Partnerships vertical within Etihad Guest. The role requires strategic development and management of our loyalty programme’s retail and lifestyle proposition, including non-air redemption/accrual partnerships aimed to deliver a localized proposition in key markets This role is critical in driving customer engagement, increasing brand affinity, and maximizing revenue through strategic partnerships. Analysis of projects and result drive campaigns. Team Leadership and Collaboration Lead and mentor a team of loyalty program specialists, fostering a culture of motivation and result driven team to meet divisional goals. Collaborate across departments, including marketing, operations, and IT, to ensure the loyalty program is fully integrated with the airline’s broader customer strategy. Accountabilities Strategic Non-air redemption and non-financial accrual development Implementation of loyalty strategies that enhance the value of the airline’s frequent flyer program by integrating retail and lifestyle benefits. Expand and leverage the Etihad Guest non-air redemption portfolio (incl. Reward Shop & Etihad GuestPay) to meet commercial objectives. Develop and execute partnerships with retail, travel, and lifestyle brands to broaden the loyalty program's redemption and accrual network. Work with marketing, technology partners, and data analytics teams to create seamless loyalty experiences for customers and increase awareness for the Etihad Guest programme. Partnership Management Identify, negotiate, and manage strategic partnerships with lifestyle and retail brands to deliver unique value propositions to meet commercial objectives. Monitor and evaluate partnership performance to ensure alignment with commercial objectives. Build a network of global and regional lifestyle brands to enhance the Etihad Guest loyalty ecosystem and increase overall non-UAE partnership network base.

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum 7 years in loyalty program management, customer engagement, or strategic partnerships, preferably in the airline and digital marketing space. Full understanding of the retail, travel (hotel & car rental), and lifestyle sectors and their integration into loyalty programs. Proficiency in CRM platforms, data analytics tools, and loyalty software.Strong negotiation and relationship management experience. Excellent written and oral communication and collaboration skills. Experience managing external partners/ stakeholders.Ability to manage multiple priorities, work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Lead and mentor a team of loyalty program specialists; develop and manage the Lifestyle & Localization Partnerships vertical within Etihad Guest. Drive strategic development of non-air redemption and non-financial accrual partnerships. Implement loyalty strategies to enhance the value of the program by integrating retail and lifestyle benefits; expand non-air redemption portfolio (e.g., Reward Shop & Etihad GuestPay). Develop and execute partnerships with retail, travel, and lifestyle brands; collaborate with marketing, technology partners, and data analytics teams to create seamless loyalty experiences and raise awareness of the Etihad Guest programme. Identify, negotiate, and manage partnerships with lifestyle and retail brands; monitor partnership performance; build a network of global/regional brands to grow the non-UAE partnership base.