Manager, External Affairs
Checkout.com
Company Description
We’re Checkout.com – you might not know our name, but companies like eBay, ASOS, Klarna, Uber Eats, and Sony do. That moment when you check out online? We make it happen.
Checkout.com is where the world checks out. Our global network powers billions of transactions every year, making money move without making a fuss. We spent years perfecting a service most people will never notice. Because when digital payments just work, businesses grow, customers stay, and no one stops to think about why.
With 19 offices spanning six continents, we feel at home everywhere – but London is our HQ. Wherever our people work their magic, they’re fast-moving, performance-obsessed, and driven by being better every day. Ideal. Because a role here isn’t just another job; it’s a career-defining opportunity to build the future of fintech.
Job Description
Company Description
We’re Checkout.com – you might not know our name, but companies like eBay, ASOS, Klarna, Uber, and Spotify do. That moment when you check out online? We make it happen.
Checkout.com is where the world checks out. Our global network powers billions of transactions every year, making money move without making a fuss. We spent years perfecting a service most people will never notice. Because when digital payments just work, businesses grow, customers stay, and no one stops to think about why.
With 19 offices spanning six continents, we feel at home everywhere – but London is our HQ. Wherever our people work their magic, they’re fast-moving, performance-obsessed, and driven by being better every day. Ideal. Because a role here isn’t just another job; it’s a career-defining opportunity to build the future of fintech.
Job Description
You will be leading the external affairs function in one of Checkout.com’s most important geographies.
The External Affairs team sits within the Legal, Risk and Compliance department, and manages Checkout.com’s engagement with regulators, governments and other third parties. External Affairs at Checkout.com covers regulatory affairs, public policy, government relations and licensing.
This is Checkout.com’s first External Affairs role in the MENA region, meaning you can really make your mark. You will be working with all areas of the business and be the primary architect of the company’s reputation in a strategic growth market. You will have a seat at the table with local executives and the freedom to shape how Checkout.com is perceived by the government and regulator.
If you thrive in high-stakes environments, enjoy solving difficult problems, excel at building relationships and influencing people, and want to be the face of our public policy strategy in the region, this is the role for you.
What you’ll do
Build relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with regulators, government bodies and relevant third parties. You will ensure Checkout.com is viewed as a strategic partner.
Regulatory affairs: Work with the Legal and Compliance team to handle regulatory enquiries, with a particular focus on narrative and positioning.
Advocacy: You will design and execute advocacy campaigns to secure Checkout.com’s regulatory priorities, delivering positive commercial outcomes.
Public policy: Analyse legislation to understand opportunities and risks. Influence fintech policy in the globally before it becomes law.
Narrative: Craft a UK Specific external narrative and then tell the Checkout.com story
Industry advocacy: Represent Checkout.com in industry associations, forums and conferences.
What we are looking for
Several years of experience working in external affairs (public affairs agency, in-house role, trade body), or in government or a financial services regulator.
A strong understanding of the UAE political and regulatory machinery, with an ability to navigate the local landscape effectively
A proven ability to build deep relationships and influence decisions
The ability to analyse complex technical policy and create actionable strategies (You do not need to be a financial services expert but you must prove that you have the ability to understand a new and complex subject quickly)
A track record of keeping calm under pressure
A practical, solutions-oriented focus and enthusiasm for taking on new challenges
Impeccable written communication skills to be able to deliver a message succinctly
Being comfortable using data is a strong advantage
Fluency in Business Arabic (spoken and written) is a strong advantage
Previous FinTech, payments, software, e-commerce and/or bank experience is desirable but not essential
Experience working in a start up or other fast-paced and dynamic environment is desirable but not essential
Additional Information
Apply without meeting all requirements statement
If you don't meet all the requirements but think you might still be right for the role, please apply anyway. We're always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.
We believe in equal opportunities
We work as one team. Wherever you come from. However you identify. And whichever payment method you use.
Our clients come from all over the world — and so do we. Hiring hard-working people and giving them a community to thrive in is critical to our success.
When you join our team, we’ll empower you to unlock your potential so you can do your best work. We’d love to hear how you think you could make a difference here with us.
We want to set you up for success and make our process as accessible as possible. So let us know in your application, or tell your recruiter directly, if you need anything to make your experience or working environment more comfortable. We’ll be happy to support you.
Take a peek inside life at Checkout.com via:
Our Culture video https://youtu.be/BEwnpHuadSw
Our careers page https://www.checkout.com/careers
Our LinkedIn Life pages bit.ly/3OaoN1U
Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/checkout_com/
Bring all of you to work
We create the conditions for high performers to thrive – through real ownership, fewer blockers, and work that makes a difference from day one.
Here, you’ll move fast, take on meaningful challenges, and be recognized for the impact you deliver. It’s a place where ambition gets met with opportunity – and where your growth is in your hands.
We work as one team, and we back each other to succeed. So whatever your background or identity, if you’re ready to grow and make a difference, you’ll be right at home here.
It’s important we set you up for success and make our process as accessible as possible. So let us know in your application, or tell your recruiter directly, if you need anything to make your experience or working environment more comfortable.
Life at Checkout.com
We understand that work is just one part of your life. Our hybrid working model offers flexibility, with three days per week in the office to support collaboration and connection.
Curious about what it’s like to be part of our team? Visit our Careers Page to learn more about our culture, open roles, and what drives us.
For a closer look at daily life at Checkout.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram