Business Development Manager – Catering & Events

About the role

We are looking for a results‑driven Business Development Manager with strong UAE experience in events, catering and hospitality support services. The role will focus on generating new business, expanding the client portfolio and driving revenue growth through direct sales, networking and commercial negotiations.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities across corporate events, external catering, contract catering, hospitality and support services.
• Build a strong pipeline through networking, referrals, client visits, industry events, exhibitions and market research.
• Develop relationships with corporate clients, government entities, hospitality groups, event agencies, educational institutions and other potential customers.
• Manage the complete business development cycle from lead generation to proposal submission, negotiation and contract closure.
• Coordinate preparation of commercial proposals, quotations, costing and tender/RFP submissions.
• Understand client requirements and collaborate with internal teams to design suitable catering, event and service solutions.
• Negotiate commercial terms while ensuring sustainable revenue and margin expectations.
• Identify opportunities for repeat business, cross‑selling and account expansion.
• Work closely with Operations, Finance and service‑delivery teams to support smooth mobilisation of newly acquired contracts.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, sales forecasts, pipeline reports and business‑development updates.

Required profile

• Minimum 5+ years of Business Development or B2B sales experience in the UAE.
• Strong and demonstrable experience in events; experience in event catering, external catering, contract catering or hospitality is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to acquire new clients and generate revenue.
• Experience in proposals, quotations, commercial negotiations and contract closure.
• Strong UAE client network and market understanding.
• Excellent communication, presentation and relationship‑management skills.
• Arabic‑speaking candidates preferred.
• UAE driving licence preferred and comfortable working in a target‑driven, hands‑on business development role.