Business Development Executive

Walker Lovell; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 293,793 - 440,690; Full time

Job summary

Walker Lovell is seeking a Business Development Manager focusing on AI and sovereign intelligence solutions in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This role involves generating new business opportunities and leveraging an established government network to shape market strategies and secure technology programs.

As part of a growing international business, the successful candidate will work directly with the CEO and have a significant impact on commercial direction while developing partnerships with key government and defence organizations.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in business development within AI and intelligence sectors.
• Established network in government and defence organisations.
• Experience in complex sales cycles for technology solutions.

Responsibilities

• Generate new business opportunities across relevant sectors.
• Build relationships with government and enterprise decision-makers.
• Lead sales engagements from initial contact to contract award.
• Develop partnerships to enhance market growth.

Skills

Business Development

Government Relations

Sales Strategy

AI Technology

Job description

Business Development Manager - AI & Sovereign Intelligence

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE (Remote initially with planned transition to on-site)

Travel: Frequent travel across the GCC, MENA, Europe and North America

Compensation: Exceptional base salary + uncapped performance-linked commission

What's in it for you?

Lead the commercial expansion of advanced AI, sovereign intelligence and data-driven technology solutions trusted by government, defence and critical infrastructure organisations. This is a rare opportunity for a proven new business hunter with an established government network to shape market strategy, build strategic relationships and secure high-value technology programmes across the GCC and international markets.

Working directly with the CEO, you'll have the autonomy to influence commercial direction while developing long-term partnerships with government ministries, defence organisations and enterprise leaders.

Why this business

Our client develops advanced AI-powered intelligence, identity intelligence, big data analytics and sovereign computing solutions that support government agencies, defence organisations and critical infrastructure. Their technology enables organisations to transform complex information into actionable intelligence, supporting national resilience, operational awareness and informed decision-making.

As the business accelerates its international growth, they are seeking an experienced commercial professional who already understands this market, knows the key stakeholders and can open doors at the highest levels of government and enterprise.

What you'll be doing

• Generate new business opportunities across government, defence, intelligence, critical infrastructure and enterprise organisations throughout the GCC and international markets

• Leverage your existing network to build trusted relationships with government ministries, sovereign entities, defence organisations, intelligence agencies and senior enterprise decision‑makers

• Lead complex consultative sales engagements involving AI, intelligence, big data and sovereign technology solutions from initial engagement through to contract award

• Develop strategic partnerships with systems integrators, technology partners and government stakeholders to accelerate market growth

What you'll bring

• A proven track record of winning new business within AI, intelligence platforms, sovereign technology, big data analytics or advanced government technology - this experience is essential

• An established network of contacts across government ministries, defence organisations, intelligence agencies, sovereign entities or strategic technology partners within the GCC

• Demonstrable success selling complex technology programmes into government, defence or highly regulated enterprise environments with long consultative sales cycles

• Strong understanding of government procurement, public sector tendering and strategic stakeholder engagement

Who this suits

You're a recognised business developer within the AI and sovereign intelligence sector. You already have trusted relationships across government, defence or intelligence communities and know how to navigate complex buying environments where credibility, discretion and long-term relationship building are critical.

You're not someone waiting for leads - you're a strategic hunter who knows the market, understands the key decision-makers and can leverage your network to create opportunities others simply can't access.

Apply now

Apply now for a confidential conversation with Walker Lovell.