Business Development Manager

Shoptalk; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Shoptalk is seeking an experienced Business Development Director to drive sponsorship revenue across the GCC and Middle East, building on the momentum of Shoptalk Luxe. This regional role is based in Dubai and focuses on securing high-value sponsors and forming long-term partnerships.

You will lead regional growth, manage a robust pipeline, and engage with senior decision-makers in the retail tech space to expand Shoptalk Luxe’s footprint across the GCC and wider Middle East.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of consultative sales experience, ideally within tech events in the Middle East.
• Strong network and knowledge of retail technology suppliers within the Middle East.
• Proven ability to generate and close large sponsorship or partnership deals.
• Experience selling retail technology solutions or sponsorship-based event partnerships.
• Track record of negotiating and closing high-value commercial deals.

Responsibilities

• Drive the commercial expansion of Shoptalk Luxe across the GCC and wider Middle East.
• Identify and secure high-value regional sponsors and partners.
• Build and manage a pipeline of new business opportunities.
• Represent the brand in the region constantly seeking new growth opportunities.
• Meet and exceed sales targets; Independently identify, prospect and close new sponsorship partnerships.
• Establish relationships with C-suite and senior decision-makers with the retail tech space.
• Convert regional awareness of Shoptalk Luxe into long-term commercial relationships.
• Develop creative partnership opportunities tailored to regional clients.
• Respond to customer inquiries quickly and prioritise activities with customers at different stages in the sales process.
• Utilise our CRM to track and report account activity accurately and in a timely manner.
• Be obsessive about customer experience from prospect through event execution.
• Work collaboratively with other sales team members and other departments.

Skills

Consultative sales

MEA market knowledge

Sponsorship deals

Retail tech

CRM proficiency

Pipeline management

Account mapping

Relationship building

Job description

A bit about us

We’re Hyve - organiser of the world’s fastest-growing and most forward-thinking B2B events. As the chosen event partner to many of the world’s leading companies, our platforms play a critical role in their strategies - helping them enter new markets, accelerate growth and connect with the people who matter most.

Our portfolio features some of the world’s leading events in sectors like ecommerce, healthcare, edtech, and fintech. We’re growing fast with an entrepreneurial culture that empowers big ideas and quick action, plus an ambitious acquisition strategy bringing exciting new events into our mix.

Alongside our market-leading events, we’re building tech and data-driven products that supercharge connections – from one-to-one meeting programs and curated table talks to year-round engagement platforms.

Whatever your role, you’ll join a global team redefining how industries connect, collaborate, and grow – working with some of the most talented people in the business.

Think that sounds good? Wait until our talent acquisition team tells you about the culture.

A bit about you

First things first: whatever your background, beliefs or ambitions, there’s a culture of belonging at Hyve — and everyone is welcome. The question isn’t where you’ve come from, but where you want to go.

You’ll thrive here if you’re curious, collaborative and not afraid to challenge convention. We look for people who take pride in what they do, who are excited by change and always moving forward. The kind of people who stay open, keep learning, and look for better ways to make an impact.

Our shared behaviours guide how we work: we dare to do things differently, own our work, embrace collaboration, stay true to ourselves and others, and remember that optimism wins.

If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.

About Shoptalk

Shoptalk is known world-wide as the eCommerce industry’s very best event. Customers flock to our events to hear from the greatest minds, immerse themselves in an unmissable atmosphere, attend mind-blowing parties, and open themselves up to a whole world of game-changing opportunities. Together, we’re creating the future of retail

About the role:

Following the successful launch of Shoptalk Luxe in January 2026, the event is now entering its next phase of growth. We are seeking an experienced Business Development Director to drive expansion across the Middle East, building on the momentum of the launch event, which brought together 2,000+ senior decision-makers across the global luxury and premium retail ecosystem.

To accelerate the next stage of growth, we are hiring a regionally based commercial lead to drive sponsorship revenue, develop strategic partnerships, and significantly expand Shoptalk Luxe’s footprint across the GCC and wider Middle East.

This is an individual contributor role responsible for establishing a strong on-the-ground commercial presence in the region, unlocking new partnerships, accelerating deal flow, and converting the growing awareness of Shoptalk Luxe into high-value sponsorships and long-term strategic relationships.

As part of your job, you’ll:

Regional Growth

• Drive the commercial expansion of Shoptalk Luxe across the GCC and wider Middle East
• Identify and secure high-value regional sponsors and partners
• Build and manage a pipeline of new business opportunities
• Represent the brand in the region constantly seeking new growth opportunities

New Business Development

• Meet and exceed sales targets
• Independently identify, prospect and close new sponsorship partnerships
• Establish relationships with C-suite and senior decision-makers with the retail tech space
• Convert regional awareness of Shoptalk Luxe into long-term commercial relationships
• Develop creative partnership opportunities tailored to regional clients
• Respond to customer inquiries quickly and prioritise activities with customers at different stages in the sales process
• Utilise our CRM to track and report account activity accurately and in a timely manner
• Be obsessive about customer experience from prospect through event execution
• Work collaboratively with other sales team members and other departments

Skills & Experiences:

• 5+ years of consultative sales experience, ideally within tech events in the Middle East
• Strong network and knowledge of retail technology suppliers within the Middle East
• Proven ability to generate and close large sponsorship or partnership deals
• Experience selling retail technology solutions or sponsorship-based event partnerships
• Track record of negotiating and closing high-value commercial deals
• Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed monthly, quarterly and annual revenue targets
• Strong experience managing sales pipelines and forecasting revenue
• Skilled at account mapping and developing new business through strategic relationship building
• Highly organised and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Commercially driven, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a high-growth environment