Abu Dhabi HR Tech Business Development Lead

Agriconnect; Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 240,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Arc in Abu Dhabi is launching a new HR tech event in the Middle East. We seek a commercially minded Business Development Manager to identify opportunities, build senior-level relationships and drive revenue from exhibitions, sponsorships and partnerships.

You will lead prospecting, tailor event solutions to client objectives, and establish a robust market presence across the UAE and wider GCC. Hybrid working in Abu Dhabi is offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in B2B business development, exhibition sales, event sponsorship or B2B media sales.
• Track record of achieving or exceeding commercial revenue targets.
• Strong new business development skills, with the confidence and resilience to build a market and pipeline from scratch.
• Experience selling to senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• A consultative approach to sales, with the ability to understand client challenges and translate them into commercially compelling solutions.
• Highly organised, self-motivated and able to manage multiple prospects and opportunities through a structured sales pipeline.
• Experience using CRM systems to manage opportunities, activity, forecasting and sales performance.
• Commercially curious, with the ability to identify emerging opportunities and develop new revenue streams.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where priorities can evolve as the event develops.
• Interest in HR technology, artificial intelligence, employee experience, workforce transformation or the future of work is desirable.
• Knowledge of the UAE or wider GCC business market.
• An existing network within HR, technology or business communities would be highly advantageous.
• Experience working on the launch or development of a new event, media product or commercial proposition would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Generate revenue through the sale of exhibition space, sponsorship packages and strategic partnerships.
• Identify, research and proactively target new business opportunities across the HR technology, employee experience, AI, workforce technology and workplace solutions markets.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospective exhibitors, sponsors and partners.
• Conduct proactive outbound sales activity through phone, email, LinkedIn, video meetings and face-to-face meetings.
• Develop relationships with senior decision-makers across HR, People, Talent, Technology, Procurement and business leadership functions.
• Understand prospective clients' commercial objectives and recommend tailored event solutions that deliver strong ROI.
• Develop new business across both local regional organisations and international HR technology companies looking to expand their presence in the Middle East.
• Build long-term relationships with clients and partners to maximise retention, repeat business and future revenue opportunities.
• Work closely with the Portfolio Director to develop and execute the commercial launch strategy for the event.
• Accurately forecast sales performance, manage pipeline activity and maintain up-to-date records within the CRM.
• Monitor market developments, competitor activity and emerging trends across HR technology, AI and the future of work.
• Represent the event at relevant industry conferences, networking events, client meetings and other business development opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with marketing, content and operations teams to ensure the event proposition meets customer needs and delivers an excellent exhibitor and sponsor experience.
• Provide market insight and feedback to help shape the event's proposition, audience development and commercial strategy.

Skills

B2B sales

Exhibition sales

Sponsorship sales

CRM proficiency

Relationship building

Negotiation

Lead generation

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Arc in Abu Dhabi is launching a new HR tech event in the Middle East. We seek a commercially minded Business Development Manager to identify opportunities, build senior-level relationships and drive revenue from exhibitions, sponsorships and partnerships.

You will lead prospecting, tailor event solutions to client objectives, and establish a robust market presence across the UAE and wider GCC. Hybrid working in Abu Dhabi is offered.