Country Head of Business Development

Job Title: Country Head of Business Development

Location: United Arab Emirates (On-site)Department: Business DevelopmentReporting To: Managing DirectorRole SummaryWe are looking for a Country Head of Business Development to lead the growth of our physical retail presence across the UAE.

This senior role owns high-value B2B relationships, strategic partnerships and new retail channels, including automated retail, institutional contracts and experiential brand collaborations.As part of the country leadership team, you will balance strategy with hands-on execution, delivering revenue today while building the channels that will drive growth over the long term. The ideal candidate brings a strong track record in luxury retail, B2B partnerships and offline sales leadership, along with the ability to build high-performing teams.Key ResponsibilitiesClient & Revenue GrowthOwn the B2B client strategy for the UAE, building tailored solutions for corporates, institutions and government entitiesDevelop curated offerings for seasonal, cultural and occasion-led demandDrive acquisition, retention and growth of high-value key accountsRetail Partnerships & New ChannelsBuild partnerships with malls, airports, hotels and leading corporates to expand our physical retail footprintLead the rollout of automated retail points as a new revenue channel, with a focus on operational excellence and commercial returnNegotiate long-term, high-value partnerships that increase brand visibility and distributionStrategy & PlanningDefine the country business development roadmap in line with group growth prioritiesIdentify new market opportunities and diversify revenue streamsWork closely with category, operations and marketing teams to deliver a seamless client and retail experienceTeam LeadershipLead, mentor and grow a high-performing business development teamBuild a culture of ownership, accountability and client excellenceDevelop the internal capability needed to scale new channelsCommercial AccountabilityOwn the business development P&L and drive profitability across accounts and partnershipsTrack KPIs including pipeline health, key account revenue, client retention and channel ROIReport performance regularly to country and regional leadershipQualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or a related field (MBA preferred)10+ years in business development, B2B sales or partnerships, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership roleProven success in key account growth, retail partnerships and high-value contract negotiationsBackground in luxury retail, luxury goods, fashion, beauty or lifestyle preferredExperience with alternative retail formats such as automated retail, concessions or institutional partnerships is highly desirableWhat You BringClient focus: builds bespoke solutions and long-term client relationshipsCommercial drive: owns revenue delivery at country levelNegotiation and influence: secures high-value partnerships with senior stakeholdersStrategic thinking: links retail and partnership initiatives to long-term business goalsMarket awareness: keeps close to luxury retail, B2B and partnership trendsCollaboration: works across functions to deliver with pace and precisionAbout the CompanyA global luxury lifestyle brand with a strong international presence, built around life’s most meaningful moments. The company is rapidly expanding its physical retail presence through strategic partnerships and new retail formats. With a culture rooted in creativity, collaboration and client excellence, we are redefining how customers experience luxury across every touchpoint.