Head of Business Development

Unique Properties; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate company seeks a Head of Business Development to spearhead capital-raising initiatives for its new Private Equity Fund in Dubai. This executive role demands a strategic leader with a strong investor network within the GCC and proven success in fundraising, making it a pivotal opportunity for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8-12 years in wealth management or investment banking with capital-raising experience.
• Deep connections in the GCC investment market preferred.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute capital-raising strategies for institutional investors.
• Cultivate relationships with prospective investors to ensure engagement.
• Lead preparation and delivery of pitch materials and presentations.

Skills

Relationship-building

Negotiation

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Business Administration

Economics

Job description

Job Description: Head of Business Development

Company: Merrion Capital LLC

Location: Dubai, UAE (Full-Time, On-Site)

Position:

Executive-Level Reports To: CEO & COO

Job Summary:

The Head of Business Development will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for spearheading capital-raising initiatives for the Company’s Private Equity Real Estate Fund.

This role demands a strategic leader with a proven track record in investment management, private equity, and capital markets, with a strong emphasis on raising capital from institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), family offices, and both international and domestic investors.

The ideal candidate will have deep connections within the GCC investment community and a strong understanding of the regional market dynamics.

As the sole business development professional initially, the Head of Business Development will work closely with the COO and CEO to shape the fund’s investor outreach strategy, build a robust investor pipeline, and establish the Company as a trusted name in private equity real estate.

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environment and contribute to the success of a new fund.

Key Responsibilities:

Capital Raising and Investor Relations

• Develop and execute a comprehensive capital-raising strategy to secure commitments from institutional investors, HNIs, family offices, and international/domestic investors.

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing investors, ensuring consistent engagement and trust.

• Lead the preparation and delivery of compelling pitch materials, presentations, and fund documentation to articulate the fund’s value proposition and investment strategy.

• Negotiate and close investment commitments, ensuring alignment with the fund’s objectives and regulatory requirements.

• Performance will be evaluated based on capital raised, investor conversion rate, and the ability to expand the Company’s investor base over time.

• Stay abreast of market trends, investor preferences, and competitive landscape to refine capital-raising approaches. Strategic Business Development

• Build and leverage a strong network of industry contacts within the GCC and globally to drive capital inflows and strategic partnerships.

• Collaborate with the CEO, COO & CFO to define the fund’s growth strategy, including target investor segments and geographic markets.

• Represent the Company at industry events, conferences, and networking forums to enhance brand visibility and attract potential investors.

• Contribute to the development of marketing and communication strategies to position the fund as a leader in private equity real estate. Investment and Market Expertise

• Provide insights into real estate investment opportunities, market trends, and risk factors to support investor discussions and fund strategy.

• Work with the investment team to ensure alignment between capital-raising efforts and the fund’s investment objectives.

• Monitor regulatory developments in the DIFC and broader UAE market to ensure compliance in all investor interactions and fund activities. Team and Operational Support

• Initially operate as the sole business development professional, with potential to build a team as the fund scales.

• Partner closely with the COO and CEO to align business development efforts with operational and strategic goals.

• Contribute to the establishment of internal processes for investor onboarding, reporting, and relationship management.

Qualifications and Experience

Experience:

• Minimum of 8-12 years of experience in private wealth management, private banking, investment banking, placement agents/capital introducer or PE/VC with a proven track record of raising capital for investment funds.

• Prior experience in a real estate investment fund is strongly preferred but not mandatory.

• Demonstrated success in securing commitments from institutional investors, HNIs, family offices, and international/domestic investors.

• Extensive experience in the GCC market, with deep connections to the local investment community and a strong network of industry contacts.

Skills:

• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills, with a reputation for credibility and trust among investors.

• Strong negotiation and deal-closing abilities, with a focus on achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex investment strategies to diverse audiences.

• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset and the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. •

Other Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Arabic or other languages is a plus.

• Willingness to travel as needed to engage with investors and attend industry events. Key Competencies

• Investor-Centric Approach: Ability to understand and address the needs of diverse investor groups while aligning with the fund’s objectives.

• GCC Market Expertise: Deep knowledge of the GCC investment landscape and established relationships with key stakeholders.

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfortable working in a startup-like environment with the ability to take initiative and drive results.

• Collaborative Leadership: Strong team player who can work closely with senior leadership to achieve shared goals.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards in all investor and business interactions.

We highly appreciate your interest in Unique Properties. Rest assured that if your profile meets the criteria for the position we will most definitely be in touch.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We thank you for your understanding and wish you the best of luck in your professional advancement.