Business Development Lead

Qima Coffee; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in the specialty coffee market as a Business Development Lead. You will be responsible for driving growth across the UAE by identifying new business opportunities and building lasting partnerships. This role offers the chance to promote premium coffee offerings while contributing to a mission of sustainability and innovation within the industry.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Paid time off and holidays

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Employee discounts on company products

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in business development or sales.
• Strong knowledge of the UAE coffee market.
• Fluency in English; Arabic is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new business opportunities for green coffee sales.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the coffee industry.
• Conduct market research to stay informed about industry trends.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Entrepreneurial mindset

Networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Agribusiness, or related field

Tools

CRM tools (e.g. Salesforce)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About us

Established in 2016, Qima Coffee is a distinguished international organisation specialising in coffee sourcing, development, and marketing. Operating strategically in key coffee growing regions of Colombia, Yemen, and Ecuador, Qima establishes collaborative partnerships with thousands of smallholder coffee farmers to meticulously source and expertly process some of the world's most exceptional coffee varieties. With a comprehensive importing and distribution network spanning seven countries, Qima's proficient local sales teams engage with an extensive portfolio of cafes and roasters globally, facilitating the widespread recognition and adoption of their premium coffees. Expanding beyond the world of trade, in 2022 Qima Coffee strategically extended its market presence by venturing into the retail sector, inaugurating a flagship showcase caf in central London.

Renowned for its pioneering advancements in processing techniques, genetic enhancements, and strategic marketing initiatives, Qima Coffee stands as a beacon of innovation, equitable business practices, and sustainability within the coffee industry. The company's unwavering commitment to excellence has positioned it as a transformative force, earning global acclaim for revolutionising the coffee landscape.

Job purpose/ summary of the overall job assignment:

Join Qima Coffee as a Business Development Lead to charge in growing our presence across the UAE's vibrant specialty coffee market. In this role, you will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, building lasting partnerships with cafs, restaurants, offices, and distributors, and driving revenue through strategic sales initiatives. You will act as a brand ambassador, promoting Qima Coffee's values and premium offerings while working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of our B2B clients. Your mission: to turn opportunities into long-term relationships and contribute directly to our mission of transforming lives through coffee.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities for green coffee sales across the UAE, with a focus on specialty roasters, importers, and large-volume buyers.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key stakeholders in the coffee industry, including roasteries, importers, and trading partners.
• Conduct market research to stay informed about coffee industry trends, customer preferences, and competitor activities.
• Prepare and deliver tailored sales presentations, samples, and proposals that effectively communicate Qima Coffee's green coffee value proposition.
• Collaborate with internal teams (logistics, sourcing, and quality control) to ensure seamless delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Support the achievement of monthly and quarterly sales targets and KPIs.
• Assist with contract negotiations and ensure all deals align with Qima Coffee's commercial goals and ethical standards.
• Represent Qima Coffee at trade shows, cuppings, industry events, and networking functions to increase brand awareness.
• Provide timely and accurate sales reports, customer feedback, and market insights to senior team members.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as required to support the growth of the green coffee sales division.

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Agribusiness, or a related field.
• Minimum of 24 years of experience in business development, sales, or account management, preferably within specialty coffee, green coffee trading, or the wider F&B or FMCG sectors.
• Strong knowledge of the UAE coffee market with a network of relevant contacts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation and presentation abilities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong passion for coffee and sustainability.
• Proficiency in CRM tools (e.g. Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluency in English; Arabic is a strong advantage.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in green coffee sales or direct trade models.
• Familiarity with specialty coffee quality standards and supply chain operations.
• Experience working in or with clients from the Jordanian market.
• Ability to cup and evaluate green coffee (CQI or SCA certification is a plus).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Paid time off and holidays
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts on company products