Regional Business Development Manager

International Schools Partnership; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization seeks a Regional Commercial Development Manager based in Dubai, UAE. The successful candidate will oversee the optimization of non-tuition fee revenues in the Middle East, focusing on increasing engagement, enrollments, and profitability. This role requires strong event management skills, the ability to build partnerships, and a minimum of 3 years' experience in similar fields. Candidates fluent in English, with Arabic as a bonus, will thrive. The position offers flexible working arrangements and performance-based bonuses.

Benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in event management, commercial coordination or venue operations.
• Fluent in English, Arabic is an advantage.
• Proven experience in organizing sports tournaments and events.

Responsibilities

• Support regional profitability through enhanced facility utilization.
• Own the annual revenue plan and track performance.
• Plan and deliver revenue-generating events.

Skills

Event management

Commercial coordination

Venue operations

Project management

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Financial awareness

Negotiation

Creativity

Education

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, PPT)

Job description

Position at Permotio Consultancy

ISP RegionalCommercial Development Manager Role Profile

Purpose of Role

The Commercial Development Manager supports the Regional Head of FP&A and is responsible for ensuring optimisation of all non‑tuition fee revenue in the Middle East region. This will be achieved through increased utilisation of facilities during and out of school hours as well as enhancing and improving the financial operations and governance of the school environment. The role will oversee event planning and operations as well as develop programs that engage participants whilst also increasing engagement, enrolments and profitability by promoting the ASA programmes within the school and local area.

Role Type: 12-month Contract 40 hours per week with flexibility for events

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another embrace similarities and differences and promote the well‑being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commercial Development Manager Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head of FP&A in optimising overall profitability of all non‑tuition fee related revenue through increased facility utilisation and improved commercial terms covering sports theatre partnerships and all other revenue generating activities.
• Own the annual regional ancillary revenue plan aligning opportunities across schools to optimise facility usage and engagement.
• Plan, promote and deliver ancillary revenue‑generating events across the group (e.g. ISP Regional Competitions, Games, Galas, Lectures).
• Build partnerships with external vendors, speakers and community organisations to monetise venue spaces.
• Work with Facilities, Catering and School Leadership to identify and action short‑term revenue opportunities.
• Responsible for delivering a defined ancillary revenue target across the region and measuring ROI on all initiatives ensuring that all internal resources are used effectively.
• Track performance against revenue targets and produce monthly impact reports.
• Maintain a pipeline of ideas and develop business cases for each initiative.
• Support the Head of FP&A in setting up processes to track ASA providers performance, contract renewals and sourcing new providers.
• Collaborate with Marketing teams to ensure the success and wider exposure.
• Support mentor and influence school‑based staff to build a consistent commercial mindset across operations.
• Bonus Plan: up to 4 months bonus dependent on KPI/target delivery.

Position Requirements

Education:

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution

Experience: 3 years of experience in event management, commercial coordination or venue operations.

Language:

• English is mandatory.
• Arabic is an advantage.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience in organising, booking and operating sports tournament, after school programmes and events; including but not limited to football and basketball tournaments, sports days, swimming galas and similar activities.
• Experience working with convention & performing arts regional sports commissions and/or regional event management booking in a regional sport and/or convention centre.
• A dynamic positive approach to deliver the regional vision for ASAs.
• Self‑motivation and ability to take initiatives.
• Good knowledge and information of school operations.
• Strong project management and coordination skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement with the ability to present commercial deals clearly.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Financial awareness and ability to build business cases and use Microsoft Office applications such as Excel and PPT.
• Interpersonal skills including customer service, tact, courtesy and patience.
• Ability to negotiate, persuade and motivate others.
• Experience of working in a large multinational matrix organisation.
• Creative proactive and results‑oriented mindset.

Attributes

• Ability to travel regularly in the region to visit schools and ensure operations are working as planned.
• Empathetic listener and patient.
• Integrity and confidentiality.
• Emotional intelligence.
• Intercultural awareness and creativity.
• Able to work outside of normal business hours due to the nature and timing of events and competitions.
• Flexible and a can‑do attitude.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing and retaining high‑performing teammates regardless of gender, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio‑economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Experience:

Manager