Manager Business Development & Client Relationship, Government Travel (UAE) – Emiratisation

Job Purpose

dnata Travel Group, represents the travel division of dnata, one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers. Consisting of more than 20 leading international travel brands, we are proud to serve our global customer base as a leading, award-winning travel services provider.

As a Manager Business Development & Client Relationship, Government Travel (UAE), you will manage and lead the support and further development of the dnata network to enhance growth, profitability and market share, as well as consolidate the dnata Travel management brand across the assigned regions. You will also develop and implement strategic partnerships, defining the sales and business development strategy and plan, and develop the regional marketing strategy for the assigned dnata Travel brand.

In this role, you will

• Develop and implement specific business sales strategies and related policies (3-5-year timescales) for the assigned dnata management Travel brand to ensure maximum profitability across the individual lines of businesses and the regional partners
• Monitor the changing market situations, and continuously adapt the business strategy to meet market conditions and challenges of the future. Track competitor activity and recommend changes in processes, systems and strategy for business growth, to address these need
• Ensure that every effort is made to retain all government accounts across the UAE whilst furthering growth with new wins
• Lead and engage in independent research of client / prospect information, travel market trends, source client key contact information and support the sales strategies of the individual businesses and to secure accounts as per the dnata Travel management's prospects data base
• Monitor compliance with customer contracts; identify any potential areas of concern and recommend appropriate actions
• Plan and launch a series of above and below the line marketing campaigns to emphasise on the positioning of dnata Travel management and develop the brand recognition strategy, as an upcoming travel management network within the assigned regions
• Lead the research, qualifying, pursuing and winning of new business and provide support to ensure successful proposal bids are managed effectively
• Engage effectively with operational and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and service delivery to dnata Travel management's new and existing clients, in line with overall departmental objectives
• Continuously seek improvements in business processes, systems and technology to ensure that business targets are achieved in the most efficient manner
• Maintain effective working relationships with internal departments and ensure through Service Level Agreements that departmental needs are effectively met. Maintain a good working relationship at the very highest level with dnata Travel management partners across the Group, including card payment solution partners (e.g., Diners, American Express, HSBC), managing credit to clients and ensuring that new credit applications are handled in a quick and effective manner
• Lead the Business Development Team and Customer Relationship Management team, fostering a team-based culture, ensuring positive interactions with other teams within the dnata Travel Group division
• As a member of the dnata Travel management team, champion a culture of open communication, clear direction, accountability, collaboration and performance management to deliver against the one dnata vision, mission and values
• Set and monitor performance objectives and development plans for direct reports which are aligned with the department strategic plan; identify improvement areas requiring formal intervention and training both on an individual and department basis
• Be accountable for business development activities related to the assigned brand to ensure the provision of specialised and professional services are positioned and the sale for the same is closed to deliver profitable revenue streams for the Company
• Evaluate and recommend ways for clients to manage their travel spend and assist with the introduction of the necessary Government Travel Policies, technology solutions and key supplier partnerships all leading to better management of their corporate travel spend and more cost savings
• Manage and contribute to the overall annual budget for dnata Travel management with respect to sales, manpower and overall costs. Responsible for consolidation of government travel accounts
• Achieve revenue targets and profitability, effectively managing the budgeting and utilisation of overhead expenses, and manpower resources. Manage and monitor the analysis of business transacted and reporting functions to ensure results are effectively tracked, and proactive action is taken to respond to varying market requirements
• Represent dnata Travel management at various government conferences and work with dnata Travel regional partners to consult and guide them to win government accounts in their markets
• Identify new business opportunities and ensure the successful achievement of the overall business objectives relating to sales, client management, new products, marketing objectives and promote the image of the dnata Travel brand
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements

• Be a Emiratization citizen
• Bachelor's degree and 10+ years’ experience in a Sales or Business Development role in the travel sector (ideally Corporate) ), including a minimum of 5 years' experience managing and leading sales teams
• Experience working with/in the Middle East region
• Deep knowledge of the government and corporate travel sector including consumer behaviour, competitor activity, and a broad network of travel industry contacts
• Advanced, applied knowledge of CRM tools
• Systematic and logical approach to solving problems
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic (additional languages will be a distinct advantage)
• Advanced negotiation skills and demonstrable ability to influence senior level stakeholders internal and external to the organisation
  
  

At dnata, part of Emirates Group, we’re committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. So if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, apply today and join our team!

Recruitment Process and Timeline

dnata, part of Emirates Group, is an international organisation with employees from over 170 nationalities, we encourage applications from across the globe. Your application journey begins by applying via the Emirates Group Careers website. Please ensure your CV is up to date for our talent acquisition team to review your profile. If you meet the criteria of the role, you will then be invited to complete a HireVue video interview, to share more about your product experience and your career aspirations. If you are shortlisted you will then be invited to interview with our hiring managers. If you are successful, your recruiter will reach out to you with an offer and then our Onboarding team will ensure a smooth transition to your new role at Emirates Group.

Salary & Benefits

Join us in a management role and enjoy an attractive tax-free salary. On top of our generous travel benefits, including discounted flights and hotel stays around the world, this managerial role also has an excellent leave and healthcare package. That’s on top of transport benefits, life insurance and more. Find out what it’s like to live and work in our fast-paced, cosmopolitan home city in the Dubai Lifestyle section of our website www.emirates.com/careers