Business Development Manager - Mobility & Defense (GCC)

About the role

SGS, a global testing, inspection and certification company, is looking for a Business Development Manager for its Business Assurance, Mobility & Defense practice. The role drives business growth across the GCC, focusing on aerospace, commercial aviation, automotive and defense sectors.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement business development plans to grow business in aerospace, aviation, automotive and defense.
• Identify and secure new business in management-system certification, supplier assurance, technical audits and customized assurance services.
• Develop opportunities for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, AS9100-series and IATF 16949 programmes, subject to SGS approvals and accreditation scope.
• Target airlines, MRO providers, airports, aerospace manufacturers, aircraft component suppliers, automotive OEMs, defense contractors, shipbuilders and industrial suppliers.
• Build relationships with senior decision-makers across engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, safety, procurement and executive management.
• Manage the full sales cycle: prospecting, client meetings, qualification, proposals, negotiation and contract closure.
• Develop annual territory and key-account plans, including new customers, competitor transfers, cross-selling and existing account growth.
• Lead tenders, commercial proposals, framework agreements and negotiations for major regional accounts.
• Maintain the sales pipeline in Salesforce (SFDC) and monitor performance, conversion rates, order intake, profitability and forecast accuracy.
• Work with local Business Managers, Global Segment teams, technical specialists and other SGS divisions, and coordinate with technical and operational teams on service scope, accreditation and delivery timelines.
• Ensure pricing meets internal profitability requirements, support contract handover to Operations, and comply with SGS policies, export controls and defense-related requirements.

Required profile

• Minimum 12 years of experience in consultative B2B technical services sales and business development, with proven success in securing contracts.
• Strong sales experience in aerospace, commercial aviation, automotive or defense across the GCC.
• Background in TIC, Business Assurance, aerospace or automotive quality, technical assurance, engineering consultancy, industrial cybersecurity or multinational technical services.
• Proven track record of developing new business, managing key accounts and closing complex deals.
• Strong network of airlines, MRO providers, aerospace manufacturers, automotive OEMs, defense contractors and industrial clients across the GCC.
• Experience selling management-system certification, supplier assurance, technical audits or customized assurance programmes.
• Understanding of accreditation requirements, certification schemes, impartiality, security requirements and industry regulations.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the GCC; Arabic is an advantage.

Required skills

• Sales pipeline management, forecasting and Salesforce (SFDC) or similar CRM systems.
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills in English.
• Advantageous: degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Aviation, Automotive or a related discipline; knowledge of AS9100-series, IATF 16949, supplier quality, aerospace maintenance or defense procurement.