Senior Business Development Manager- Freezone

About This Role

Role overview

A Senior Business Development Manager - Freezone leads revenue growth by acquiring new clients, expanding key accounts, and building strategic partnerships for UAE free zone business setup and related corporate services. The role typically focuses on identifying international and regional companies that want to establish or expand operations in UAE free zones, then converting that demand into signed mandates and recurring revenue.

Job title

Senior Business Development Manager - Freezone

Reporting line

Reports to the Head of Sales, Commercial Director, or General Manager.

Location

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Job purpose

To drive sustainable revenue growth across free zone company formation, licensing, leasing, investor onboarding, and related advisory services by building a strong pipeline, closing high-value opportunities, and managing strategic client and partner relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, target, and acquire new clients seeking company formation and expansion in UAE free zones.
• Develop and execute a business development strategy focused on revenue growth, market expansion, and customer satisfaction.
• Build and maintain relationships with investors, founders, SMEs, multinational clients, consultants, channel partners, and government-facing stakeholders.
• Advise clients on suitable free zone jurisdictions, license types, office solutions, and setup pathways based on their business objectives.
• Generate qualified leads through outbound outreach, referrals, partnerships, networking events, and corporate presentations.
• Prepare proposals, pricing, commercial offers, and service agreements aligned with company policy and regulatory requirements.
• Negotiate commercial terms and close deals while protecting margin and ensuring compliance with internal approval processes.
• Manage key accounts and partner relationships to drive renewals, upselling, and cross-selling of visa, PRO, banking support, compliance, and office solutions.
• Track market trends, competitor activity, and client demand to identify new free zone opportunities and alternate revenue streams.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, pipeline updates, forecasts, and sales reports for senior management.
• Collaborate with operations, compliance, marketing, and client servicing teams to ensure smooth onboarding and high client satisfaction.
• Represent the company at exhibitions, roadshows, business councils, chambers, and investor events across the UAE and GCC.

KPIs

• Monthly and quarterly revenue achieved against target.
• Number and value of new company setup deals closed.
• Conversion rate from qualified lead to signed client.
• Pipeline coverage and forecast accuracy.
• Renewal, upsell, and cross-sell revenue from existing accounts.
• Partner channel performance and referral contribution.
• Client satisfaction and onboarding completion time.

Candidate profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, or a related field.
• 6-10+ years of business development, sales, or commercial experience, with strong UAE market exposure.
• Proven experience in free zone business setup, company formation, corporate services, leasing, or a related B2B advisory environment.
• Strong understanding of UAE free zone structures, licensing categories, visa processes, and client onboarding workflows.
• Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding sales and revenue targets.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, pipeline management, and reporting.
• Strong commercial judgment with the ability to balance growth, client experience, and compliance.
• UAE driving licence is preferred.

Preferred industry background

• Free zone authority or business setup consultancy.
• Corporate services, investor relations, or commercial leasing.
• Professional services, advisory, or B2B solutions selling in the UAE/GCC.

Core competencies

• New business acquisition
• Consultative selling
• Free zone market knowledge
• Partnership development
• Key account management
• Commercial negotiation
• CRM discipline
• Forecasting and reporting
• Cross-functional coordination
• Executive communication