Business Development Manager - Aviation Industry

Serco; Dubai; On-site; AED 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Serco leads growth across the UAE, KSA and broader GCC, focusing on Aviation sector opportunities in Airport Operations, ANS/ATM, Training and advisory services. The role requires building strategic partnerships with authorities, operators and government stakeholders to secure profitable opportunities.

The candidate will develop pipelines, shape proposals, and drive partnerships and technology collaborations to position Serco as a trusted provider in aviation services across the region.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in aviation business development or related roles.
• Proven track record of securing aviation opportunities in UAE, KSA and GCC.
• Understanding of airport operations, ANS/ATM, or aviation support services.
• Experience with Civil Aviation Authorities, airports, ANSPs or airlines.
• Experience managing large, complex bids and opportunities.
• Strong GCC aviation network.
• Experience building strategic partnerships and customer engagement programs.

Responsibilities

• Achieve new business revenue, margin and profit targets in aviation.
• Identify and secure new aviation business across UAE, KSA, GCC.
• Develop growth strategies aligned with regional expansion programs.
• Build relationships with Civil Aviation Authorities, Airport Operators, ANSPs, Airlines and government stakeholders.
• Lead market analysis to identify trends and customer requirements.
• Develop account plans for major aviation customers and strategic accounts.
• Collaborate with technical experts to develop innovative aviation solutions.
• Identify partnerships, joint ventures and technology collaborations.
• Support long-term pipeline development and aviation governance and strategy.

Skills

Business development

Strategic growth

Stakeholder management

Bid management

Partnership development

Market analysis

Aviation sector

Job description

The Business Development Manager will lead and drive growth within the Aviation sector across the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and wider GCC region, with a focus on Airport Operations, Air Navigation Services (ANS), Air Traffic Management (ATM), Aviation Training, Passenger Experience, Aviation Advisory, Airport Asset Management, Airside Operations and Aviation Technology Solutions.

This role is critical in understanding regional aviation market dynamics, building strategic partnerships, delivering tailored solutions and aligning Serco's aviation capabilities with the strategic priorities of airports, civil aviation authorities, air navigation service providers and government stakeholders across the GCC.

This role will be responsible for developing a robust pipeline, shaping and securing new opportunities to deliver profitable growth and promoting Serco as a trusted partner and recognised provider of aviation services throughout the region.

Key Accountabilities

• Accountable for achieving assigned new business revenue, margin and profit targets across the aviation sector.
• Identify, develop, shape, pursue and secure new aviation business opportunities across the UAE, KSA and wider GCC.
• Develop and execute growth strategies aligned with regional aviation expansion programmes and airport transformation initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Civil Aviation Authorities, Airport Operators, Air Navigation Service Providers, Airlines and Government Stakeholders.
• Lead market analysis and research to identify emerging aviation trends, customer requirements and future growth sectors.
• Establish and maintain a network of strategic relationships with customers, partners, consultants and aviation service providers.
• Develop account plans for major aviation customers and strategic accounts.
• Collaborate with operational and technical experts to develop innovative aviation solutions.
• Identify opportunities for partnerships, joint ventures, strategic alliances and technology collaborations.
• Support long-term pipeline development to ensure sustainable growth across the aviation portfolio.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of aviation procurement regulations, public sector tender processes and regional aviation policies.
• Contribute towards Serco-wide governance, best practice and aviation strategy development.

Specific Requirements

• Minimum 10 years' experience in business development, commercial management, strategic growth or solution development within the aviation sector.
• Proven track record of winning and delivering significant aviation opportunities within the UAE, KSA and GCC.
• Strong understanding of airport operations, aviation outsourcing, ANS, ATM or aviation support services.
• Experience working with Civil Aviation Authorities, Airport Operators, ANSPs, Airlines or Aviation Service Providers.
• Demonstrated experience managing large and complex bids and business opportunities.
• Strong network of aviation industry contacts across the GCC.
• Experience developing strategic partnerships and customer engagement programmes.
• Strong understanding of one or more of the following sectors:
• Airport Operations
• Air Navigation Services (ANS)
• Air Traffic Management (ATM)
• Aviation Training
• Airport Facilities Management
• Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFF)