Business Development Manager - Arabic Speaker (Abu Dhabi)

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum.

At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging.

Edelman UAE has an immediate opening for an experienced Business Development Manager to work with the Operations Team due to company growth.

The Business Development Manager is responsible for coordinating and managing the new business process to ensure integration across teams in developing responses to new business requests and RFPs. Together with the Head of Operations, they will be responsible for leading all new business efforts to secure new clients and organically grow existing clients.

Reporting to the Head of Operations, the role will work closely across the agency with the senior leadership team as well as account management and the global new business team as required.

Responsibilities:

• Representing Edelman as the first point of contact for prospective clients; understanding their needs and objectives and presenting this back to the senior team.
• Managing and completing detailed prospective Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Procurement (RFP).
• Supporting the refinement and roll-out of the agency new business development process. Managing the lead capture process, qualifying and prioritizing opportunities.
• Tracking agency wins and losses and review performance, conversion rate and costs.
• Building solid relationships with procurement, vendors and distributors, as well as communications teams.
• May be required to shape, manage and train in the new business process.
• Ensuring that there is no conflict of interest in working with a potential client.
• Working with the teams and finance to ensure all budgets are in line with scopes of work and realistic based on market and company knowledge.
• Partnering with the marketing lead on all efforts relating to events, awards and case studies.
• Partnering with the resourcing and senior leadership team on all efforts relating to staffing projects, new wins and existing client remits.
  
  
  

Requirements:

• At least 7 years’ experience within an agency environment – Middle East experience in a hybrid communications and operations role would be a bonus.
• Advanced written and spoken English, as well as Arabic is necessary
• Proven business development experience.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications, namely Powerpoint and Excel.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional management skills.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong business acumen.
• Strategic thinker.
• Detail-oriented, process-driven and persuasive.
• Strong influencing ability and gravitas for internal and external engagement.
• Experience managing finances, including budget development.
• Team player who is focused on developing a collaborative work ethic within account teams and is committed to ensuring an excellent work environment.
  
  
  

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.