Business Development Specialist

About the RoleWe are looking for an experienced Business Development Lead – Middle East to spearhead our growth across the region.This is a hands-on sales role for someone who understands the Middle East market, has an established network, and can independently identify opportunities, open doors, build relationships, pitch our capabilities and convert conversations into business.The role will represent a broad portfolio of services spanning events, experiential marketing, branding, design, content, digital experiences and marketing solutions through BrandAid Events and FirstCut Design Studio.We are not looking for someone who is new to the market or purely focused on managing inbound leads. We need someone who can actively build the pipeline, get in front of the right decision-makers and drive opportunities through to closure.Key ResponsibilitiesLead business development and sales efforts across the Middle East, with Dubai as the primary base.Identify and pursue new business opportunities with corporates, brands and other relevant organisations.Leverage existing relationships and networks within the region to generate meetings and opportunities.Build relationships with senior stakeholders across marketing, communications, procurement, events, HR and business leadership teams.Independently set up meetings, understand client requirements and identify opportunities for our services.Present and pitch the company's capabilities, credentials, ideas and solutions to prospective clients.Work with internal creative, strategy, event and production teams to develop proposals and solutions.Own opportunities throughout the complete sales cycle — from prospecting and initial conversations through proposals, negotiations and closure.Build and maintain a strong, qualified sales pipeline across the region.Develop relationships that can lead to repeat business and long-term client partnerships.Identify relevant industry events, networks, partnerships and opportunities that can strengthen our presence in the Middle East.Maintain visibility on market trends, competitors and changing client requirements across the region.Provide regular visibility on pipeline, meetings, proposals, conversions and revenue opportunities.Services You Will RepresentThe role will sell an integrated portfolio of services that includes:Events & ExperientialCorporate events and conferencesExhibitions and booth experiencesBrand activationsExperiential marketingMICE and large-format eventsEvent technology and interactive experiencesCreative & DesignBrand strategy and identityGraphic and communication designCampaign creativeCorporate and internal communicationsPresentation and marketing designContent & DigitalVideo and motion graphicsDigital and interactive experiencesProduct and solution demonstrationsWebsites and digital platformsE-learning and training experiencesThe expectation is not necessarily for the individual to be a technical expert across every service, but they should be able to understand the client's business requirement, identify the right opportunity and confidently bring the appropriate internal specialists into the conversation.Who We Are Looking ForAn experienced business development or sales professional with a strong track record in the Middle East market.Ideally 8+ years of relevant experience, with significant exposure to the UAE and wider Middle East region.Prior experience selling services within events, experiential marketing, creative agencies, branding, advertising, digital, design or related industries.An existing network of corporate and agency-side relationships in the region is highly desirable.Demonstrated ability to originate opportunities rather than relying solely on inbound leads.Strong experience pitching to senior decision-makers and navigating complex B2B sales cycles.Proven ability to negotiate and close business.Commercially driven, proactive and comfortable operating with significant independence.Strong communication, presentation and relationship-building skills.Comfortable working across multiple service offerings and identifying cross-selling opportunities.Able and willing to travel across the Middle East as required.Must be based in, or willing to be permanently based in, Dubai.What Success Looks LikeSuccess in this role will be measured by the individual's ability to:Build a consistent pipeline of qualified opportunities.Establish relationships with new clients across the region.Generate regular senior-level client meetings.Convert opportunities into proposals and pitches.Close new business and generate revenue.Develop repeat and long-term business relationships.Establish a strong commercial presence for our services in the Middle East.About UsBrandAid Events is an integrated events and experiential company delivering corporate events, conferences, exhibitions, brand activations and large-format experiences.FirstCut Design Studio is a creative and experience design company working across branding, communication design, video, digital experiences, interactive solutions, e-learning and experiential design.Together, the two businesses provide clients with an integrated combination of strategy, creativity, technology and execution.