Business Development Manager

Role overview

Strategy and market development

• Define and execute the UAE business development strategy in line with Group objectives.
• Assess target countries and regions, market attractiveness, competition, and strategic fit.
• Research markets and competitors; monitor defense spending priorities, funding mechanisms, and procurement programs.
• Develop market-entry, expansion, and market-share growth strategies.
• Drive awareness and positioning of Group companies, products, and solutions.

Relationships and opportunity execution

• Build senior-level relationships with government entities, armed forces, public agencies, and key decision-makers.
• Develop partnerships with local system integrators, prime contractors, and technology partners.
• Act as primary commercial interface for assigned countries and key accounts.
• Generate and qualify opportunities; manage pipeline development, forecasting, prioritization, negotiations, and deal closures.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and contribute to bids, proposals, pricing inputs, and partner selection.
• Track KPIs and report market intelligence, competition, pipeline, and performance to senior management.
• Represent the Group at regional exhibitions, defense events, industry forums, and customer meetings.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, International Relations, or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree or MBA is a strong advantage.
• 7–10+ years in international business development, sales, or strategic account management, preferably in defense, aerospace, security, or complex technology.
• UAE market experience and demonstrated success negotiating and closing international deals.
• Familiarity with government procurement, long sales cycles, and complex multi-stakeholder environments.
• Experience with local partners, agents, consortiums, or system integrators.

Skills and qualifications

• Strong relationship-building, stakeholder management, commercial judgment, deal structuring, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills; cultural awareness across diverse regulatory and business environments.
• Proficiency with CRM tools and MS Office; fluency in English. Additional languages are an advantage.
• Eligibility for security clearance, such as NATO clearance, is required.

Travel

• Extensive travel across the region is required, with 65%+ of time on the road.

Offer

• Competitive remuneration package.
• Continuous learning in new technologies and opportunities to work on large-scale projects with talented people.