Business Development Lead

Role Purpose The Business Development Lead will work directly with the General Manager to support the growth of Innovo Industries in the UAE water, wastewater and industrial infrastructure sectors. The role focuses on stakeholder engagement, market intelligence, opportunity development and coordination of strategic initiatives. As the business grows, the position will progressively support project mobilisation, cross-functional coordination and management follow-up. Core Mandate Leverage existing relationships and develop new contacts with priority UAE utilities, municipalities, industrial clients, engineering consultants and specialist partners. Identify opportunities during planning, feasibility and design stages, before formal tender issuance. Coordinate closely with the Heads of Business Development in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while reporting directly to the General Manager. Support strategic initiatives and, over time, assist with coordination of awarded projects and internal management actions. Key Accountabilities Strategic Stakeholder Engagement Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the UAE water and wastewater sector. Arrange and coordinate meetings between the General Manager and relevant decision-makers, project teams and technical stakeholders. Maintain structured stakeholder maps, contact records and engagement plans for priority organisations. Represent Innovo Industries professionally at meetings, technical workshops, conferences and industry events. Priority Utility & Government Accounts Demonstrable experience engaging several of the following is expected: Etihad Water & Electricity (EtihadWE); Emirates Water & Electricity Company (EWEC); TAQA Water Solutions. Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA); Dubai Municipality; Sharjah Electricity, Water & Gas Authority (SEWA). Industrial Water & Wastewater Accounts Develop relationships with industrial asset owners, developers and manufacturers requiring process water, industrial wastewater treatment, effluent treatment, water reuse and utility infrastructure. Target industrial ecosystems and clients including ADNOC, Borouge, Emirates Global Aluminium, KEZAD, AD Ports, Dubai Industrial City, JAFZA and major food, pharmaceutical, chemicals, metals and manufacturing companies. Identify industrial wastewater opportunities with shorter procurement cycles and strong potential for repeat business. Consultant & Specialist Ecosystem Maintain relationships with engineering consultants and PMCs involved in feasibility studies, concept design, detailed design and tender preparation. Engage relevant technology providers, process specialists, equipment manufacturers and specialist contractors. Coordinate introductions, technical meetings and partnership discussions that support a specific opportunity or client strategy. Market Intelligence & Opportunity Development Monitor upcoming projects, consultant appointments, prequalification requirements, procurement strategies and expected tender dates. Maintain an accurate opportunity pipeline and provide concise weekly updates to the General Manager. Prepare client briefs, meeting notes, stakeholder maps and opportunity summaries. Support early qualification of opportunities and identify the appropriate route to market – direct pursuit, package strategy, alliance or technology partnership. Coordination with Business Development Leadership Share relevant intelligence with the Heads of Business Development in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Coordinate stakeholder engagement to avoid duplication and ensure clear account ownership. Support joint meetings, follow-up actions, prequalification activities and strategic account plans. Act as a link between the General Manager and specialist external stakeholders. Future Project Coordination Support mobilisation planning and management coordination following project award. Track key actions, decisions and milestones across internal functions. Coordinate management meetings and follow up on agreed actions. Assist with communication between project, commercial, engineering and support teams as the business expands. Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills Qualifications / Education Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Construction Management, Business Administration or a related discipline. An engineering background is preferred where combined with strong relationship and coordination skills. Experience Approximately 4–8 years of relevant experience in the UAE water, wastewater, utilities, industrial infrastructure, engineering consultancy or specialist contracting sectors. Demonstrated track record of direct engagement with UAE utilities, municipalities, engineering consultants or industrial asset owners. Existing professional relationships with several of the priority organisations listed in this job description. Experience working for a contractor, consultant, utility, technology provider, industrial company or related infrastructure organisation. Knowledge Practical understanding of how UAE infrastructure projects progress from planning and design through prequalification, tendering and award. Awareness of procurement strategies, consultant appointments and prequalification requirements. Skills & Attributes Strong communication, networking and relationship-building skills. Confident dealing with senior stakeholders while remaining organised and detail-oriented. Commercial awareness and the ability to recognise credible opportunities. Ability to coordinate across multiple departments without creating reporting-line conflicts. Proactive, discreet, dependable and comfortable working directly with senior management. Fluent English is required.