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Expected Salary for Corporate Strategy role - Senior Associate in Dubai (UAE)

Corporate corporate development Corporate Strategy M&A salary salary negotiation strategy strategy consulting UAE
New answer on May 02, 2024
5 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Apr 24, 2024

Hi,

I am a recent MBA grad at a top-20 MBA school currently in the interview process for an opportunity in the UAE.

I understand that this is a platform for Consulting, but can someone give me some estimates on how much a Senior Associate would earn at an Corporate Strategy & M&A role?

Context: The company is a family business conglomerate. I would be directly reporting to the Head of Strategy and Corporate Development and it is just going to be the two of us for now. The company is going through significant transformation and from my conversations so far I understood that there's going to be significant work involved (implying strategy consulting like demanding work life).

I understand that I can't expect the post MBA strategy consulting compensation of AED600,000 - 800,000/year (all-in), but what would be a reasonable ask?

I had quoted an initial expectation (excluding bonus) of AED360,000 - 440,000k/year. I'm concerned if I have lowballed my expectations. I am in advanced stages of the process with my last interview with the founder's son (new boss) coming up next week. Any advice/guidance would be really appreciated! Thank you!

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Best answer
Pedro
Expert
replied on Apr 24, 2024
Bain | Roland Berger | EY-Parthenon | Mentoring Approach | 30% off first 10 sessions in May| Market Sizing | DARDEN MBA

Glassdoor is a good datapoint for that type of salary questions. Not 100% reliable, but directionally right (as long as they have a relevant number of datapoints).

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Anonymous A on Apr 24, 2024

Thank you for your response, Pedro! Unfortunately, the company doesn't have much salary info on Glassdoor. It's not a big global brand per se. And if I see the Salary for the title of Senior associate overall in Dubai, it doesn't give me an accurate picture as it is very different across industries and there isn't any industry filter.

Pedro on Apr 25, 2024

You have to look for similar companies / competitors.

Gloryshine on May 02, 2024

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Agrim
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 24, 2024
BCG Dubai Project Leader | Learn to think like a Consultant | Free personalised prep plan | 6+ years in Consulting

There too many variables in the Corp Strat role - to give you a good range estimate. Pls share more details over DM to get a clearer estimate.

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Anonymous A on Apr 24, 2024

Thank you for your response Agrim! I have just DM'd you!

Anonymous B replied on May 02, 2024

Your initial expectation of AED360,000 - 440,000k/year seems reasonable for a Senior Associate role in Corporate Strategy & M&A at a family business conglomerate in the UAE. However, it's always wise to do thorough research on industry standards and consider factors like cost of living and workload before finalizing your ask. Good luck with your upcoming interview!

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Alberto
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 30, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Associate Partner | +15 years in consulting | +200 McKinsey 1st & 2nd round interviews

Check on Glassdoor and connect with insiders to get a more accurate answer.

Best,

Alberto

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

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Cristian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Apr 25, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Rather difficult to tell since it depends from entity to entity. 

Your best bet is to connect with somebody from inside the company and find an elegant way of asking for it indirectly - maybe they then offer a range.

Best,
Cristian

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Pedro gave the best answer

Pedro

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