Senior Business Development Specialist

ARK People Solutions; Al Khobar; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education institution in Saudi Arabia is seeking a Senior Business Development Specialist to drive strategic partnerships and institutional growth. Key responsibilities include developing strategic plans, nurturing relationships across sectors, and identifying collaborative opportunities. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in the education sector, strong networking skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders. This role offers high visibility and the chance to impact institutional growth significantly.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business development within the education sector or closely related environments.
• Strong understanding of education operations and governance frameworks.
• Established networks within government entities, universities, hotels, and F&B sectors.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and public relations capabilities.
• High credibility, executive presence, and stakeholder management maturity.
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining commercially driven.

Responsibilities

• Developing and executing strategic business development plans aligned with institutional objectives.
• Building and nurturing high-level relationships across multiple sectors.
• Identifying partnership opportunities, sponsorships, and collaborative programmes.
• Representing the institution at industry forums, exhibitions, and high-level meetings
• Driving initiatives that increase enrolment pipelines, corporate engagement, and brand visibility
• Supporting leadership in stakeholder engagement and institutional positioning

Skills

Business development

Networking

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education sector experience

Education

Experience in the education sector

Job description

Senior Business Development Specialist

A leading education institution is seeking a commercially astute and well-connected Senior Business Development Specialist to drive strategic partnerships, institutional growth, and market positioning.

It is a strategic external-facing position requiring influence, credibility, and deep relationship capital across key sectors.

The Opportunity

The Senior Business Development Specialist will play a pivotal role in expanding institutional presence and strengthening partnerships across:

• Government entities and regulatory bodies
• Universities and academic institutions
• Hospitality groups and hotel operators
• Food & Beverage organisations and industry stakeholders

The role requires someone who understands the operational dynamics of education institutions and can translate industry collaboration into tangible growth, visibility, and long-term institutional value.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and executing strategic business development plans aligned with institutional objectives
• Building and nurturing high-level relationships across government, academia, hospitality, and F&B sectors
• Identifying partnership opportunities, sponsorships, and collaborative programmes
• Representing the institution at industry forums, exhibitions, and high-level meetings
• Driving initiatives that increase enrolment pipelines, corporate engagement, and brand visibility
• Supporting leadership in stakeholder engagement and institutional positioning

Ideal Profile

We are seeking a professional who brings:

• Proven experience in business development within the education sector or closely related institutional environments
• Strong understanding of education operations and governance frameworks
• Established networks within government entities, universities, hotels, and F&B sectors
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and public relations capabilities
• High credibility, executive presence, and stakeholder management maturity
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining commercially driven

What Makes This Role Distinct

• Direct impact on institutional growth and market expansion
• High visibility and stakeholder-facing exposure
• Opportunity to shape strategic partnerships across sectorsPlatform to build long-term institutional influence

This appointment aligns with national workforce development initiatives and institutional requirements.