Regional Commercial Development Manager

International Schools Partnership; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A major educational organization in Dubai seeks a Regional Commercial Development Manager to optimize non-tuition revenue through facility utilization and event management. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree, over 3 years of relevant experience, and strong project management skills. This is a full-time role requiring flexibility for events and has a bonus plan based on performance.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in event management, commercial coordination, or venue operations.
• Proven experience in organizing sports events.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of FP&A to optimize non-tuition revenue.
• Manage and deliver ancillary revenue-generating events.
• Build partnerships with external vendors and community organizations.

Skills

Event management

Commercial coordination

Strong project management

Problem-solving

Stakeholder engagement

Financial awareness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Description

ISP Regional Commercial 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 of the school environment. The role will oversee event planning and operations, as well as developing 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 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 Compet, 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 After School Activities (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

• Bachelor’s 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 organizing, 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 detailli>
• 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, creative
• 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, 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.