Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Hybrid working pattern
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About the Role
We are looking for a driven and commercially minded Business Development Manager to join the team launching HR Tech in Abu Dhabi. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in bringing a leading HR technology and workplace event proposition to the Middle East market for the first time. You will be responsible for identifying and developing new commercial opportunities, building relationships with senior HR and technology decision-makers, and driving revenue through exhibition, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities.
Reporting to the Director and Portfolio Director, you will take a proactive, consultative approach to sales, helping organisations understand how participation in the event can support their commercial objectives, brand visibility, and engagement with the region's growing HR and technology community. As this is a new market launch, you will be comfortable working in a business development environment, creating opportunities from the ground up, developing a strong prospect pipeline and establishing relationships with key organisations across the UAE and wider Middle East region.
Key Responsibilities
- Generate revenue through the sale of exhibition space, sponsorship packages, and strategic partnerships
- Identify, research and proactively target new business opportunities across the HR technology, employee experience, AI, workforce technology, and workplace solutions markets
- Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospective exhibitors, sponsors, and partners
- Conduct proactive outbound sales activity through phone, email, LinkedIn, video meetings, and face-to-face meetings
- Develop relationships with senior decision-makers across HR, People, Talent, Technology, Procurement, and business leadership functions
- Understand prospective clients' commercial objectives and recommend tailored event solutions that deliver strong ROI
- Develop new business across both local regional organisations and international HR technology companies looking to expand their presence in the Middle East
- Build long-term relationships with clients and partners to maximise retention, repeat business and future revenue opportunities
- Work closely with the Portfolio Director to develop and execute the commercial launch strategy for the event
- Accurately forecast sales performance, manage pipeline activity, and maintain up-to-date records within the CRM
- Monitor market developments, competitor activity, and emerging trends across HR technology, AI, and the future of work
- Represent the event at relevant industry conferences, networking events, client meetings, and other business development opportunities
- Work collaboratively with marketing, content, and operations teams to ensure the event proposition meets customer needs and delivers an excellent exhibitor and sponsor experience
- Provide market insight and feedback to help shape the event's proposition, audience development, and commercial strategy
Experience Required
- Proven experience in B2B business development, exhibition sales, event sponsorship, or B2B media sales
- Demonstrable track record of achieving or exceeding commercial revenue targets
- Strong new business development skills, with the confidence and resilience to build a market and pipeline from scratch
- Experience selling to senior stakeholders and decision-makers
- Excellent relationship-building, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
- A consultative approach to sales, with the ability to understand client challenges and translate them into commercially compelling solutions
- Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple prospects and opportunities through a structured sales pipeline
- Experience using CRM systems to manage opportunities, activity, forecasting, and sales performance
- Commercially curious, with the ability to identify emerging opportunities and develop new revenue streams
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where priorities can evolve as the event develops
- Interest in HR technology, artificial intelligence, employee experience, workforce transformation, or the future of work is desirable
- Knowledge of the UAE or wider GCC business market
- An existing network within HR, technology, or business communities would be highly advantageous
- Experience working on the launch or development of a new event, media product, or commercial proposition would be beneficial
What We Value
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building rather than simply managing. You will be instrumental in establishing the commercial foundations of a new event in Abu Dhabi and helping to shape its position within the region's rapidly evolving HR technology ecosystem.
You will be commercially driven, energetic, and confident in opening doors, developing relationships, and converting opportunities. Just as importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys working collaboratively and wants to be part of building something new.
If you're an ambitious B2B sales professional looking for the opportunity to help launch a high-profile HR technology event in Abu Dhabi, we'd love to hear from you.
