Director of business development

Director of Business Development — Dubai Role summary

Lead commercial growth across our portfolio by building strategic partnerships, driving group sales, and creating new revenue streams for restaurants, bars, and events. This senior role combines strategy, sales leadership, and cross‑functional execution to expand market presence and maximize profitability.

Duties and responsibilities

• Strategy and Growth: Develop and execute a multi‑year business development strategy targeting private events, catering, corporate partnerships, and brand collaborations.
• Sales Leadership: Build and lead a high‑performing sales team; set targets, coach sellers, and manage pipelines to achieve revenue goals.
• Partnerships and Alliances: Identify, negotiate, and close strategic partnerships with corporate clients, agencies, lifestyle brands, and influencers.
• Product and Pricing: Create commercial offerings, pricing models, and proposal templates for buyouts, recurring contracts, and bespoke activations.
• Cross‑Functional Coordination: Work closely with operations, culinary, marketing, and finance to ensure deliverable alignment, margin protection, and exceptional guest experiences.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and demand drivers; translate insights into actionable opportunities.
• Contract Management: Oversee contract negotiation, terms, and compliance; manage risk and ensure profitable deal structures.
• Reporting and Forecasting: Produce regular revenue forecasts, pipeline reports, and performance analyses for executive leadership.
• Brand Representation: Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and networking opportunities to raise brand profile.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 7 years in hospitality business development, group sales, or strategic partnerships, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success closing large accounts, securing recurring corporate business, and materially growing revenue.
• Commercial Skills: Strong financial literacy, experience building pricing models, and ability to manage margins and forecasts.
• Leadership: Experience hiring, developing, and motivating sales teams; excellent coaching and performance‑management skills.
• Negotiation: Advanced negotiation skills and comfort drafting and reviewing commercial contracts.
• Technical: Proficiency with CRM systems, sales analytics tools, and Microsoft Office.
• Communication: Exceptional presentation, written, and client‑facing skills; confident public speaker.
• Cultural Fit: Collaborative mindset, high emotional intelligence, and ability to work across diverse teams and fast‑paced environments.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Hospitality, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• Mobility: Willingness to work flexible hours and travel between venues and to client sites as needed.
• Language: Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.

What we offer

• Compensation: Competitive base salary plus performance incentives.
• Benefits: Staff meals, industry discounts, professional development, and career progression across a global hospitality group.
• Impact: A senior role with direct influence on commercial strategy and the opportunity to shape growth across multiple venues.

Application process

Email your resume and a brief cover letter with “Director of Business Development — Dubai” in the subject line to recruiting@sbe.com. Please include your earliest availability, current or expected salary range, and two professional references. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a phone screen followed by interviews and a commercial case review.