About the Role
The company's growth depends on strategic partnerships that unlock access to new clients and markets. The Business Development Director will define and execute a partnership strategy that drives revenue and strengthens our competitive position. This is not a typical sales role. You will identify the right partners, negotiate deals, and create scalable programs that open doors for the company's Sales teams. Your work will directly impact the company’s growth trajectory, and you’ll be shaping the way we partner with governments, enterprises, and leading tech companies in the region.
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What You’ll Do
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Drive High-Impact Partnerships:
- Identify, approach, and secure partnerships that open access to multiple clients or ecosystems.
- Build and maintain relationships with key industry, technology, and government partners.
- Design partnership offerings that are valuable, scalable, and aligned with the company’s products.
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Enable Sales and Revenue Growth:
- Work closely with Sales teams to convert partnership opportunities into revenue.
- Provide strategic support, proposals, and frameworks that help partners sell or adopt the company's solutions.
- Set measurable goals for partnership-driven revenue and pipeline contributions.
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Build Systems and Pipelines:
- Establish processes to track, maintain, and expand partnership pipelines.
- Maintain a repository of deals, contacts, and opportunities for repeatable success.
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Market Intelligence and Creativity:
- Stay ahead of trends in SaaS, B2B, and tech ecosystems.
- Analyze competitor partnerships and market gaps to inform your strategy.
- Bring creative solutions to complex business problems and design mutually beneficial agreements.
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Leadership and Mentorship:
- Mentor the existing Business Development team (currently one senior executive).
- Define how the team grows as business needs evolve.
- Establish a culture of accountability, creativity, and strategic thinking within the team.
Requirements
- 10+ years in business development or strategic partnerships, ideally in B2B SaaS, with proven experience leading teams and closing high-value, long-term deals.
- Understanding of the tech landscape and innovative approaches to building scalable partnerships.
- Strong ability to engage C-level stakeholders and government entities.
- Focus on measurable outcomes like revenue, pipeline growth, and partner retention.
- Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-moving startup.
- Willing and able to travel to meet partners, attend events, and close deals in person.
- Saudi nationals are highly preferred due to government and regional engagement requirements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- 10+ years of relevant experience in business development, partnerships, or indirect sales roles.
- Deep understanding of B2B SaaS, enterprise sales, and partner ecosystems.
- Exceptional negotiation, contract management, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver measurable business outcomes through partnerships.
Hiring Process
- Initial Screening: Conversation with Talent Acquisition to review experience and alignment.
- Leadership Interview: Meet with Chief Commercial Officer to discuss strategy and approach.
- Case Study / Presentation: Develop a partnership strategy or proposal relevant to the company’s business.
- Final Interview: Discussion with executive leadership to confirm fit and strategic vision.
- Offer: Compensation includes base salary, ESOPs, and benefits.