Business Development Manager

Hawksford; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Hawksford in the UAE seeks an experienced Business Development Manager to accelerate growth in corporate services. You will originate and close new business for company setup, administration, accounting, tax and compliance, leveraging an established UAE intermediary network.

The role requires 4–5 years of BD experience in corporate services, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to engage senior decision-makers across internal teams for seamless onboarding and service delivery.

Qualifications

• UAE-based; strong knowledge of local business environment.
• Proven track record in originating and closing deals in corporate services.
• Experience building and leveraging UAE intermediaries and referral channels.
• Commercial judgement and ability to discuss scope and fees confidently.
• Consultative selling with cross-border client needs and complex service bundles.
• Strong network with UAE market-entry ecosystem and decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end business development cycle from origination to closing and revenue targets.
• Manage inbound opportunities and convert to qualified prospects and clients.
• Grow referrals via existing UAE network of intermediaries and introducers.
• Identify new opportunities through partnerships and sector initiatives.
• Position company setup, administration, accounting, tax and compliance services.
• Develop revenue streams across priority client segments and international corridors.
• Coordinate with operations and compliance teams for smooth onboarding.
• Maintain pipeline visibility and provide market feedback on demand and pricing.

Skills

Communication

Referral networks

Languages advantage

Analytical skills

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, commercially driven Business Development Manager to accelerate the growth of Hawksford’s corporate services business in the UAE. The role is focused on originating and closing new business for company incorporation and market entry, corporate administration, management, accounting, tax and ongoing compliance services. The successful candidate will combine a strong commercial mindset with a proven track record in our industry and an established UAE network of intermediaries, referral partners and business introducers.

Key Responsibilities

• Revenue Generation & Deal Conversion: Own the end-to-end business development cycle, from origination and qualification through proposal, negotiation and closing, with clear accountability for revenue targets.
• Lead Management & Conversion: Manage and convert inbound opportunities into qualified prospects and long-term clients, while maintaining disciplined pipeline management and follow-up.
• Network-Led Business Development: Activate and expand an existing UAE network intermediaries and other business introducers to generate recurring referrals.
• Opportunity Generation: Proactively identify and develop new opportunities beyond existing channels, including direct prospects, strategic partnerships and sector-focused initiatives.
• Solution Selling: Understand client requirements and position the appropriate combination of company setup, corporate administration, accounting, tax, payroll, immigration and compliance services.
• Market Development: Build revenue streams across priority client segments, international corridors and sectors relevant to Hawksford’s service portfolio.
• Client Handover & Onboarding: Work closely with operations, compliance, accounting, tax and other internal teams to ensure an effective transition from signed engagement to onboarding and service delivery.
• Commercial Intelligence: Maintain an accurate pipeline, monitor conversion performance and provide useful market feedback on client demand, competitors, pricing and partnership opportunities.

Mandatory Experience & Requirements

• UAE-based: Already resident and working in the UAE, with established knowledge of the local business environment and market-entry ecosystem.
• Relevant experience: Minimum 4-5 years of business development experience in corporate services, professional or corporate consultancy, trade and investment promotion, or institutional trade and investment organisations.
• Industry track record: Demonstrable success in originating and closing engagements involving company incorporation or market entry, corporate administration, accounting, tax and/or ongoing regulatory and compliance services.
• Existing UAE network: A credible and active network of intermediaries, referral partners, advisers and business introducers capable of supporting near‑term opportunity generation and conversion.
• Commercial capability: Strong commercial judgement, confidence in discussing scope and fees, and a disciplined approach to qualification, pipeline management, negotiation and closing.
• Consultative selling: Ability to understand cross‑border client needs, coordinate technical input and translate complex service requirements into clear commercial proposals.
• Market knowledge: Good understanding of UAE corporate structures, foreign investment considerations and the practical requirements facing international businesses establishing and operating in the UAE.
• Execution: Self‑directed, proactive and accountable, with the credibility to engage senior decision‑makers and the ability to collaborate effectively across internal teams.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Excellent communication, relationship‑management and senior client‑facing skills.
• Experience developing international referral channels and supporting cross‑border clients entering the UAE.
• Mandarin or German language capability is considered an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify, prioritise and act on commercially attractive opportunities.

As Hawksford continues to expand its presence in the UAE and wider Middle East, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the business. For high‑performing individuals, the role offers scope to broaden responsibilities and increase strategic involvement over time, in line with business needs and organisational growth.

Our Office Charter

Five simple behavioural promises that will create an amazing and highly productive working environment at Hawksford.

No Hierarchy

We all have an equal right to enjoyment and use of all spaces, regardless of job level or department

Have Fun

Be happy and never be afraid to laugh, enjoy yourself, and create magic moments for others

Say Hi

The office is designed for interaction, so be proactive to build new relationships and spread positive energy on your way

Respect Everyone

We are all different, and that’s a good thing! Be patient, kind and appreciative of these differences

Be Flexible

Bring a positive attitude with you into the office, and always be receptive to change.