Business Development Executive – UAE National

About the role

The University of Manchester is looking for a Business Development Executive (UAE national) to support recruitment and business development for its Middle East Centre, covering the Global MBA programmes and other programmes, with a focus on Executive Education short business courses. The role works alongside the Student Recruitment Manager, supports CSR activities, grows partnerships with corporate partners and drives corporate and government engagement to increase leads and student enrolment. Evenings and weekends are required for university events and promotions.

Key responsibilities

• Drive corporate and government engagement, build strategic relationships and identify new business opportunities
• Meet revenue and student targets set by the Student Recruitment Manager and manage corporate relations with target clients and stakeholders
• Develop relationships with schools, educational consultants and third-party agents, recommend and attend sponsorships and exhibitions, and coordinate new MOUs and signing ceremonies
• Plan, run and measure recruitment, branding and corporate engagement plans; research markets, competitors and demographics
• Organise and attend recruitment events across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, and prepare and deliver information sessions and webinars
• Follow up enquiries, counsel prospects and help the recruitment team meet its targets
• Analyse data trends, run competitor and market analysis, manage CRM data and produce reports and charts for the team and Centre Director
• Audit current systems, introduce specialist data tools and implement improvements, and support Centre social responsibility initiatives

Required profile

• Fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken)
• 3-5 years of experience in business development, corporate partnerships, government engagement or B2B sales (GCC/KSA experience preferred)
• Proven track record of building senior-level corporate and government relationships
• Willingness to travel across the GCC and work beyond standard hours when required
• Desirable: experience in higher education, executive education or professional services, and knowledge of the GCC corporate and government landscape

Required skills

• Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office
• Strong presentation, negotiation, communication and analytical skills
• Time management and ability to work independently and in a team