Client Development Manager

MENA Recruit Pty Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

An international law firm based in Dubai is seeking a Client Development Manager to drive regional growth across multiple sectors. This role involves leading proposal processes, managing business development activities, and collaborating with senior stakeholders. The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, strong communication skills, and an understanding of the Middle East market. This position may require occasional international travel and working overtime to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Fluent in the English language.
• Strong understanding of the Middle East market and regional business culture.
• Proven experience drafting and managing complex proposals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end proposal process including drafting and editing documents.
• Collaborate with International CD and BD Managers to identify client targets.
• Plan and lead regional events and client engagement activities.

Skills

Fluent in English

Strong understanding of the Middle East market

Excellent communication skills

Highly organized

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Client Development Manager to join a growing international law firm with a strong global presence and expanding offices across the Middle East. Based in Dubai, this role supports the Dubai and Riyadh offices and plays a key role in driving regional growth across multiple practice areas and sectors, including energy, technology, life sciences, construction, and projects.

The successful candidate will be a core member of the International Client Development team, working closely with partners, senior leadership, and global colleagues to lead client development initiatives, manage high-impact pitches and proposals, and support strategic business development across the region.

The primary function of this position is to develop proposals and related business development materials for the Dubai and Riyadh offices, and will be supported by the Singapore, Riyadh, and London CD team when required. The successful candidate will work closely with the client development coordinator in Riyadh and be supported by the international CD team and the firmwide department CD practice and industry leads.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the end-to-end proposal process, including request analysis, go/no-go decisions, scheduling, drafting, and editing proposal documents.
2. Draft and edit business development materials, such as capability statements, case studies, bios, and client communications.
3. Maintain and track proposal records, gather feedback, and provide post-pitch analysis.
4. Support key client management teams in the Middle East and with international clients interested in the region.
5. Assist with the integration of newly joined lawyers and partners into the Dubai office, in coordination with the global CD team.
6. Manage procurement platforms, including registrations, renewals, and timely communication of RFP opportunities to internal stakeholders.
7. Collaborate with International CD, BD Managers, and local lawyers to identify client targets, conduct research, and execute business development plans.
8. Plan and lead regional events, seminars, sponsorships, and client engagement activities, capturing post-event insights.
9. Coordinate regional submissions to surveys, awards, and publications with international CD teams and directory specialists.
10. Work with partners and leadership to align proposals and BD initiatives with firm strategies.
11. Promote best practices in proposal and experience systems, ensuring accurate tracking of new experience.
12. Prepare regular reports on business development activities for senior leadership.
13. Ensure effective communication with international CD teams and other support departments.
14. Collaborate on cross-office business development projects.

Other duties and responsibilities

• Special projects
• Work as a team with the International CD team on proposals
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Working conditions and environment

Working conditions include overtime (evenings/weekends) when necessary to meet deadlines. Occasional international travel may be required.

Responsible To: Client Development Regional Manager, International Business Development

Required/Basic Qualifications

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Fluent in the English language

Additional Requirements

• Strong understanding of the Middle East market and regional business culture
• Driven, self-motivated, and able to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team
• Confident and professional in presenting, advocating, and defending ideas with senior stakeholders
• Proven experience drafting and managing complex proposals
• Excellent communication skills, both in person, via email, and over the phone
• Comfortable working in high-volume, fast-paced, and deadline-driven environments
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, with strong editing and proofreading abilities
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience in the energy or projects sector is highly desirable
• Formal training in proposal or project management is advantageous

Salary

Salary range is slightly flexible depending on the candidate’s current salary and experience.

Key Demographic Requirements

• Based in UAE