Business Development Manager

Summary:

Business Development Manager opportunity at a progressive British International School in Dubai.

About the School:

Located in Al Barsha South, the school offers an inclusive, forward-thinking education for students from FS1 to Year 11, with plans to expand to Year 13. It is known for its innovative partnerships and commitment to student and staff wellbeing.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a dynamic Business Development Manager to lead and shape strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence and financial growth. This role is central to ensuring the school continues to deliver a world-class education and maintain its position as a leader in international schooling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic oversight of finance, facilities, transport, and operational service areas to ensure alignment with organisational goals.
• Act as the senior coordinator and reviewer for operational proposals, contracts, and commercial arrangements.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, value for money, and service quality across all operational functions.
• Lead the design and implementation of short, mid, and long-term strategic business plans.
• Oversee the Finance department to ensure robust budgeting, forecasting, financial controls, and reporting.
• Review financial performance, cost centres, and operational expenditure, identifying risks and efficiencies.
• Lead the review, tendering, and negotiation of all major contracts and service-level agreements.
• Manage relationships with service providers, ensuring performance, compliance, and cost effectiveness.
• Develop all non-tuition revenue streams, including ECAs, transport, facilities hire, and other ancillary services.
• Line manage and performance-manage the Finance Manager and Facilities Manager, providing clear direction and accountability.
• Identify and mitigate financial, operational, and contractual risks.
• Prepare clear reports and recommendations for senior leadership and governing bodies.

Qualifications & Skills:

Required

• Proven experience in a senior operations, business development, or commercial management role.
• Strong background in financial oversight, contract management, and vendor negotiations.
• Experience overseeing facilities, transport, or asset-intensive operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage senior operational staff and drive accountability.
• Excellent commercial judgement, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience within education or similarly complex, service-driven organisations.
• Professional qualification or strong experience in finance, business, or operations management.
• Ability to interact well with people of all levels, cultures, or backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbally.
• Excellent IT and database skills.

Preferred

• Knowledge of ECA programmes, transport operations, or ancillary revenue models.
• Experience with AI curriculum development or similar innovative educational programmes.
• Familiarity with international school operations and regulatory environments.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive tax-free salary
• Visa and medical insurance coverage
• Tuition fee discounts for up to 2 children at the school
• End of service gratuity in line with UAE Labour Law