The Middle East and North Africa region has long been one of the most dynamically developing markets. We have extensive experience working with MENA-based companies, assisting them in finding top-tier executives with the competencies to drive their business forward.

Since we’re working with the position of a CRM Director for a superapp, combining e-commerce and delivery capabilities, we want to share the value of a CRM Director in business, explore the challenges and opportunities of adapting modern CRM technologies to the cultural nuances of this promising market, and delve into the reasons why MENA is an attractive destination for career growth.

In the MENA region, where mobile apps have largely replaced traditional desktop platforms, the role of a CRM Director has become even more critical. Today, this is not just a manager but a strategist who influences key business metrics and solves complex, yet vital challenges at the intersection of technology, marketing, and analytics:

• Audience segmentation and building behavioral models.
• Creating personalized offers based on data.
• Managing customer loyalty and retention strategies.

The unique characteristic of the MENA region lies in its strong orientation towards mobile applications and the near absence of web, necessitating deep knowledge of mobile marketing and digital analytics.

Given that customer retention can account for up to 50% of revenue in e-commerce and delivery, in-depth analytics, personalization, and effective loyalty programs are crucial not only for increasing customer lifetime value but also for boosting average order value. The role of the CRM Director becomes paramount in such a scenario.

Let’s delve into how we selected such a unique executive for an e-commerce/delivery company in Saudi Arabia.

Our client sought a CRM Director with a strong background in digital products, mobile applications, data analytics, and technology, who was also open to relocating to Saudi Arabia. We were looking for a candidate who could:

• Develop and implement innovative strategies in a dynamic, unstructured environment.
• Build and scale new products from scratch in a rapidly growing market.
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills, including the ability to work with data, analyze user behavior, and drive strategy based on key metrics.
• Possess a deep understanding of mobile CRM solutions and tools, given the region's mobile-first focus.
• Adapt to the unique cultural nuances of the local market and build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Cultural Fit: We were looking for someone who could navigate the unique cultural and religious landscape of the region.
• Digital Expertise: The ideal candidate had a strong background in digital marketing.
• Relocation: Given the cross-cultural nature of the role, adaptability was key. We cast a wide net across Europe and MENA, ensuring candidates were well-informed about the exciting opportunities and support available

The MENA market is experiencing rapid growth in mobile applications.

Today, the MENA region offers:

• A blank canvas: Companies are providing opportunities to build products and ecosystems from the ground up, empowering individuals to shape the market and enhance their skillsets.
• Multicultural experiences: Working in diverse, international teams boosts leadership capabilities.
• Competitive compensation: Salaries in MENA are significantly above market average. Our research indicates that CRM Directors can expect gross monthly salaries starting from $12,000, while CRM Leads can earn from $7,000 gross. Compensation packages often include relocation, housing, and additional perks, making these roles highly attractive to executives.
• Career advancement: MENA offers not only higher salaries but also opportunities for rapid career progression. Unlike in Europe or America where top executives may need to take a step back, MENA provides opportunities to assume leadership roles immediately.

The MENA region is a land of opportunity. Working here offers not only career growth but also a unique experience of building products from scratch, adapting to a new environment, and working in a rapidly growing and promising market.