Business Development Manager – Events & Exhibitions

About the role

Maestra is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to drive new business and manage strategic accounts in the events and exhibitions sector across the UAE. This client‑facing commercial role will take opportunities from prospecting through to proposal, negotiation and handover, working closely with cross‑functional teams.

Key responsibilities

• Build and execute a targeted business development plan aligned with commercial priorities and revenue goals.
• Identify and pursue opportunities with event agencies, exhibition organisers, experiential agencies, corporate clients and strategic partners.
• Develop a strong pipeline through market mapping, networking, referrals, industry events and proactive outreach.
• Qualify opportunities based on client fit, scope, timing, budget, risk and margin potential.
• Lead client meetings, presentations, site visits and post‑project reviews.
• Coordinate bid/no‑bid assessments and proposal development with estimation, design, project management, production, procurement, finance and operations teams.
• Prepare and present compelling proposals, tender submissions and commercial responses.
• Lead commercial negotiations covering scope, price, payment terms, programme, exclusions, variations and contractual clarifications.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and provide pipeline, conversion and forecast updates.
• Ensure complete commercial handover to delivery teams and support change control, upselling and client issue resolution.

Required profile

• 5–8 years of business development, sales or account management experience with exposure to exhibitions, events, experiential production, fabrication, fit‑out or related project‑based industry.
• Proven track record of winning new business, managing a sales pipeline and developing repeat client accounts.
• Strong understanding of project‑based B2B sales, proposals, quotations, tenders, contracts, payment terms, margins, change control and project risk.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary bids and working with design, estimation, production and project‑delivery teams.
• Excellent presentation, communication, negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills.