Business Development Manager

Ambition; Dubai; On-site; AED 302,000 - 404,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international professional services firm is seeking a Business Development Manager for their Dubai office. The role involves driving work and relationships with senior lawyers, managing pitches, and overseeing the BD budget. Successful candidates will possess broad BD experience in legal or professional services and an understanding of the Dubai and MENA markets. The firm offers a collaborative culture and competitive package, making this an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive package

Agile working

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in business development, especially in legal or professional services.
• Strong understanding of the Dubai and MENA markets.
• Proven ability to work closely with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior lawyers to drive work and relationships.
• Lead pitches and tenders, shaping strategy.
• Manage BD budget and show ROI.

Skills

Business Development

Client relationship management

Strategic planning

Event management

Data management

Communication

Job description

Business Development Manager - Dubai (MENA)

If you're a commercially minded BD pro who thrives in fast paced, high growth environments and you fancy putting your stamp on a standout Dubai office, keep reading.

We're working with a leading international professional services firm with a strong reputation across the Middle East. Their Dubai team is growing fast, advising some of the region's most exciting clients across corporate, private wealth, real estate, disputes, tech and hospitality. Now they're looking for a Business Development Manager to help accelerate that growth.

This isn't a sit back, wait for instructions role. It's hands on, high profile and genuinely influential.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be the trusted BD partner to senior lawyers in Dubai, helping them win work, grow relationships and raise market profile.

• Partner closely with Partners to create and deliver targeting and growth plans
• Lead bids, pitches and tenders, shaping strategy and crafting compelling content
• Drive cross selling across offices and practice areas in a truly international firm
• Plan and deliver high impact events aligned to clear BD objectives
• Own directories and awards submissions to build profile and credibility
• Manage thought leadership, campaigns and client communications
• Work closely with marketing, comms and digital teams in the UK
• Keep CRM data meaningful, accurate and commercially useful
• Manage the Dubai BD and marketing budget and demonstrate ROI

You’ll be embedded in the Dubai office while collaborating closely with an established central BD, marketing and communications team in the UK.

What they're looking for

You’ll already be operating at BD Manager level, ideally in legal or professional services, and confident working with senior stakeholders.

• Has broad BD experience including pitches, campaigns, events, directories and client development
• Understands the Dubai and wider MENA market and how relationship‑led business really works
• Is proactive, commercially switched on and comfortable challenging when needed
• Builds strong, trusted relationships quickly and naturally
• Brings energy, ideas and a genuine "let's get this done" mindset
• Is organised, detail driven and calm under pressure

In short, credible, curious and great with people.

Why this role?

• A fast growing Dubai office with ambitious expansion plans
• High visibility and real influence with Partners
• International exposure without being lost in a huge team
• Varied, interesting work where no two weeks look the same
• A collaborative, supportive culture that values ideas and initiative
• Competitive package and agile working

If you want a role where you can make a visible impact, build something exciting and work with smart, driven people in one of the world's most dynamic markets, this is well worth a conversation.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you know someone who would be great at this role, why not take advantage of our referral scheme? We offer £200 in shopping vouchers for every referred candidate who we place in a role. Terms & Conditions Apply. https://www.ambition.co.uk/refer-a-friend