Design Business Director / Global Art Fair

BLR WORLD; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural programming company in Dubai is seeking a Director or Manager for a new business initiative in the Design department. This role involves defining and launching a new offering targeting interior designers and architects. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years' experience in the Design industry, strong strategic thinking capabilities, and a proven track record of effective relationship-building. The position requires full-time presence in the Dubai office, making it ideal for ambitious professionals with established connections in the GCC design community.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the Design industry with proof of rapid career progression.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to build structure in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Demonstrated experience in partnerships and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Support in building the foundations of a new business in the design industry.
• Lead the implementation across all areas of the business.
• Drive and grow all revenue streams: memberships, partnerships, programs, events, and services.

Skills

Communication and relationship-building skills

Strategic thinking

Operational and project management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Public outreach experience

Job description

Department: Design

Job Title: Director or Manager of a New Business Location: Dubai, UAE Reports to: CEO Type: Full-time

About our client

Our client have grown to become the most experienced cultural programming company in the Gulf. Comprising more than 30 initiatives, including the regions leading art and design fairs and festivals, it is a provider of industry expertise to the business and government sectors, alongside year-round commissioning and professional development programmes.

Role Overview

They are seeking a highly entrepreneurial, well‑connected, strategic and hands‑on profile to define, launch and run a new business within the Design department. This project is confidential at this stage. It involves building a new offering targeted at interior designers, architects, design studios and other key stakeholders in the design ecosystem. This is an exciting opportunity to conceptualise, structure and operationalise a new venture from the ground up – shaping the strategy (incl. business model and programming) and operating a business that will expand our Design portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Phase 1: Strategy Development
  • Support in building the foundations of a new business in the design industry that engages with interacting with architects and interior designers in the GCC
  • Develop the marketing and communications strategy of the business
  • Support in audience mapping
• Phase 2: Implementation & Operations
  • Lead the implementation across all areas of the business.
  • Deliver the value proposition through member/client engagement and relationship management.
  • Drive and grow all revenue streams: memberships, partnerships, programs, events and services.
  • Design and execute the programming calendar: events, workshops, content initiatives and networking sessions.
  • Manage marketing and communications campaigns to drive engagement, awareness and adoption.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the Design industry with proof of rapid career progression.
• Excellent and proven communication and relationship‑building skills with experience of public outreach.
• Demonstrated experience in partnerships and stakeholder engagement in the Design industry.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to build structure in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong operational and project management capabilities.
• Highly ambitious.
• Ability to work full‑time from our office in Dubai (full in‑office work policy).
• Preference for candidates that have extensive network and established connections within Design in the GCC and can speak Arabic.