Country Head of Business Development

Confidential; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a Country Head of Business Development to lead the growth of our physical retail presence across the UAE. This senior role owns high-value B2B relationships, strategic partnerships and new retail channels, including automated retail and institutional contracts.

As part of the country leadership team, you will balance strategy with hands-on execution, delivering revenue today while building scalable channels for long-term growth.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in business development or partnerships, with 4+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Background in luxury retail, fashion, beauty or lifestyle preferred.
• Experience with high-value client relationships and contract negotiations.
• MBA or equivalent business degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own the UAE B2B client strategy and tailor solutions for corporates and institutions.
• Build malls, airports, hotels partnerships and roll out automated retail.
• Define the country BD roadmap aligned with group growth priorities.
• Lead, mentor and grow a high-performing BD team.
• Own P&L and track KPI across accounts and channels.
• Report performance to country and regional leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

B2B sales

Negotiation

Partnership development

Team building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Marketing

MBA

Job description

Job Title: Country Head of Business Development

Location: United Arab Emirates (On-site)

Department: Business Development

Reporting To: Managing Director

Role Summary

We are looking for a Country Head of Business Development to lead the growth of our physical retail presence across the UAE. This senior role owns high-value B2B relationships, strategic partnerships and new retail channels, including automated retail, institutional contracts and experiential brand collaborations.

As part of the country leadership team, you will balance strategy with hands‑on execution, delivering revenue today while building the channels that will drive growth over the long term. The ideal candidate brings a strong track record in luxury retail, B2B partnerships and offline sales leadership, along with the ability to build high‑performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Revenue Growth

• Own the B2B client strategy for the UAE, building tailored solutions for corporates, institutions and government entities
• Develop curated offerings for seasonal, cultural and occasion‑led demand
• Drive acquisition, retention and growth of high‑value key accounts

Retail Partnerships & New Channels

• Build partnerships with malls, airports, hotels and leading corporates to expand our physical retail footprint
• Lead the rollout of automated retail points as a new revenue channel, with a focus on operational excellence and commercial return
• Negotiate long‑term, high‑value partnerships that increase brand visibility and distribution

Strategy & Planning

• Define the country business development roadmap in line with group growth priorities
• Identify new market opportunities and diversify revenue streams
• Work closely with category, operations and marketing teams to deliver a seamless client and retail experience

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor and grow a high‑performing business development team
• Build a culture of ownership, accountability and client excellence
• Develop the internal capability needed to scale new channels

Commercial Accountability

• Own the business development P&L and drive profitability across accounts and partnerships
• Track KPIs including pipeline health, key account revenue, client retention and channel ROI
• Report performance regularly to country and regional leadership

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or a related field (MBA preferred)
• 10+ years in business development, B2B sales or partnerships, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven success in key account growth, retail partnerships and high‑value contract negotiations
• Background in luxury retail, luxury goods, fashion, beauty or lifestyle preferred
• Experience with alternative retail formats such as automated retail, concessions or institutional partnerships is highly desirable

What You Bring

• Client focus: builds bespoke solutions and long‑term client relationships
• Commercial drive: owns revenue delivery at country level
• Negotiation and influence: secures high‑value partnerships with senior stakeholders
• Strategic thinking: links retail and partnership initiatives to long‑term business goals
• Market awareness: keeps close to luxury retail, B2B and partnership trends
• Collaboration: works across functions to deliver with pace and precision

About the Company

A global luxury lifestyle brand with a strong international presence, built around life’s most meaningful moments. The company is rapidly expanding its physical retail presence through strategic partnerships and new retail formats. With a culture rooted in creativity, collaboration and client excellence, we are redefining how customers experience luxury across every touchpoint.