Director-International Business Development (Asia Region), International Office

AD Ports Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

AD Ports Group is seeking a Business Development Director to drive strategic growth in their Maritime, Ports, and Logistics business across Asia, with a focus on Southeast Asia and China. The role involves market intelligence, forging partnerships, and leading business development strategies. This is an opportunity to influence the company's international expansion and establish significant market presence.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in a similar role.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities.
• Develop and implement comprehensive business development strategies.
• Lead negotiation processes to secure favorable terms.

Skills

Fluency in English

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Self-efficacy

Agile

Prioritization

Multi-tasking

Education

Master’s degree in Business Administration

Professional certification in project management

Job description

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a dynamic, commercially astute, and visionary leader to shape the future of our international business as Business Development Director to drive strategic growth and expand our Maritime, Ports, and Logistics business across Asia, with a strong focus on Southeast Asia and China. You will lead market intelligence efforts, forge high-value partnerships, and position end-to-end solutions across the full international project lifecycle. Your ability to uncover opportunities, influence stakeholders, and deliver tangible results will be key to shaping the future of our international business. This is a unique opportunity to lead and expand our international footprint in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-evolving regions.

If you are passionate about unlocking market potential, creating long-term value, and steering business strategy at the highest levels, we invite you to be part of our journey and make a lasting impact on the future of our organization.

About the International Office

Delivering global ambitions of the UAE’s leadership, the ADPG senior management envisioned the creation of international offices. The International Office is a business unit of AD Ports Group (ADPG) to accelerate its expansion globally, supporting the growth synergy and focuses on developing projects that support the five pillars of ADPG, the 5 business clusters namely Ports, Maritime, Logistics, Digital and ECFZ. Beginning with exploring growth opportunities, ensuring due diligence, and developing project opportunities that triggers growth patterns for all clusters and thus ensuring a balanced growth structure for the whole company and the wider economy of this country. International Office is currently spreads in 3 main geographical regions – Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia. ADPG now has presence in almost 40 plus countries. Some well-established operations, some developing projects and some markets are just opening. International Office (IO) acts as the Central bolt connecting these 5 clusters, bringing them together for projects that benefit the overall growth of trade and industry in these regions.

Job Purpose

Responsible for identifying, developing and securing new business opportunities, developing and implementing strategies, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders within the maritime, ports and logistics space.

Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive business development strategies that aligns with AD Ports Group (ADPG)overall objectives and supports the Company’s growth.
• Develop and oversee a full business case and present the same to the internal stakeholders, such as the investment committee and board.
• Lead the negotiation process with clients, partners, and government authorities to secure favorable terms and conditions for the Company.
• Conduct a market research and analysis to identify new business opportunities, potential clients, partners, and markets within the 5 sectors that ADPG is active in.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships that create synergies, enhance the Company's offerings, and support business growth.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of business development initiatives and processes, making recommendations for improvement where necessary.
• Participate in representing the Company at industry events, conferences, and meetings, promoting the company's brand and expertise.
• Represent and evaluate potential risks associated with international business expansion and develop risk mitigation strategies including financial, operational, regulatory.
• Monitor competitor activities, market trends, and industry developments to inform strategic decision-making and maintain the Company's competitive edge.

People Management Responsibilities:

• Lead, inspire, and motivate the business development teams and streams, setting clear expectations, objectives, and targets.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the regional business development team, setting KPIs, and holding team members accountable for achieving their goals. Address performance issues promptly and constructively.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging open communication and teamwork across departments and functional areas.

Strategic Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the Company's strategic planning process, providing insights, analysis, and recommendations related to business development initiatives and market opportunities.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of business development initiatives, using data and analytics to measure success, identify areas for improvement, and inform future strategies.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, International Business, Economics or a related field;
• Professional certification or diploma in project management, supply chain management, or logistics are considered an asset.

Required Skills

• Fluency in English and preferably also Mandarin, knowledge of additional languages is a plus.
• A minimum of 15 years of experience in a similar role
• Experience: port and logistics industry background in preferably different regions (including Asian region) and demonstrable business development experience in both (SEA) South East Asia and China
• Proven network in the Maritime and Logistics Industry
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Self-efficacy
• Agile
• Prioritization and multi-tasking