Director Business Development Dubai UAE

Silicon Foundry, a Kearney company, is an innovation advisory firm that catalyzes opportunities and accelerates change to push the frontier of what’s possible.

We help our Members navigate new technologies and market shifts, discover and engage with key emerging leaders, and unlock high-impact customer, partnership, investment, co-creation, and acquisition opportunities. Our Members represent a diverse spectrum of corporations from across the globe, such as BP Innovation, NatWest, UPS, SK Innovation, Honda Innovations, the State of Michigan, and Southwest Airlines, and many more. Learn more at www.sifoundry.com.

Job Description Silicon Foundry, a Kearney company, Director (Business Development), Middle East

Who We Are

Silicon Foundry is a premier innovation advisory firm that helps corporations anticipate disruption, engage with emerging technologies, and build high-impact partnerships that drive business transformation. As a subsidiary of Kearney, a global consultancy, we blend strategic expertise with deep connectivity across startups, venture capital, and technology ecosystems to help organizations unlock new opportunities and accelerate growth.

Our work spans corporate innovation, venture strategy, and ecosystem engagement. We help our global enterprise clients navigate shifting market dynamics, scout and engage with cutting-edge startups, and structure strategic investments, partnerships, and acquisitions.

A core part of our expertise is designing, launching, and managing venture programs such as corporate incubators, accelerators, and strategic investment initiatives. We don’t just advise—we build and execute. From defining focus areas and sourcing high-potential startups to facilitating pilots, structuring investment theses, and driving commercialization, we help organizations translate external innovation into tangible business impact.

By integrating Kearney’s world-class consulting capabilities with our deep venture and technology networks, we create the bridge between corporate strategy and the fast-moving startup ecosystem—helping enterprises stay ahead of disruption and future-proof their businesses.

Learn more at www.sifoundry.com.

About The Role

The Director is a senior leadership role responsible for driving business development, owning client relationships, and ensuring the successful delivery of high-impact venture and innovation projects across the MEA region. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, shaping strategies and translating them into execution. The role requires a blend of commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and hands-on leadership, with direct accountability for revenue growth, client satisfaction, and project outcomes.

Who You Are

• A proven business builder with a strong track record of winning and delivering client engagements.
• Equally comfortable in front of clients, in the boardroom, and with startups and innovators.
• A strategic thinker with commercial acumen, able to identify opportunities and convert them into mandates.
• A collaborative leader who can motivate teams, manage complexity, and deliver excellence under pressure.
• A thought leader passionate about shaping the future of ventures, startups, and innovation in MEA.
• An active participant in the MEA innovation ecosystem, with a strong network to draw upon for sourcing opportunities, partnerships, and market insights.
  
  

• Lead business development efforts to generate new clients and Members across the MEA region.
• Independently source and originate new opportunities, leveraging personal networks and market insights, while also nurturing relationships with Kearney Partners and stakeholders to surface and pursue potential prospects.
• Build trusted relationships with senior executives, understanding their innovation and growth priorities.
• Develop tailored proposals, pitches, and solutions that address Members and client needs and secure new mandates.
  
  

• Oversee the design and execution of client engagements, ensuring delivery of strategic, high-quality outputs.
• Serve as the senior point of contact for clients, managing relationships at C-suite and executive levels.
• Lead multi-disciplinary project teams ensuring alignment, productivity, and excellence in delivery.
• Balance strategic oversight with a hands-on approach, stepping in directly where needed to drive outcomes and model excellence.
• Ensure projects deliver measurable impact aligned to client objectives.
  
  

• Develop and publish thought leadership on venture trends, emerging technologies, and corporate innovation.
• Represent the firm at key industry events, panels, and conferences to raise visibility and credibility.
• Position the firm as a go-to partner for corporates, startups, and investors in the MEA innovation ecosystem.
  
  

• Build and maintain relationships with VCs, startups, corporates, accelerators, and ecosystem enablers.
• Curate and activate partnerships that strengthen the firm’s pipeline and client offering.
• Leverage networks to source high-quality startups and innovation opportunities relevant to client projects.
  
  

• Contribute to shaping the firm’s MEA growth strategy, service offerings, and go-to-market approach.
• Mentor and coach junior team members, driving professional growth and knowledge sharing.
• Enhance delivery methodologies, tools, and frameworks to increase efficiency and impact.
  
  

• 8–10 years of experience in consulting, venture capital, corporate innovation, or related fields.
• Demonstrated track record in business development, with proven ability to originate and close significant client engagements.
• Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder client projects with measurable impact.
• Strong network across corporates, startups, investors, and ecosystem players in the MEA region.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with presence and credibility at senior levels.
• Proven leadership ability in managing teams, mentoring talent, and driving organizational growth.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to navigate ambiguity and build new opportunities.
  
  

• Role is for applicants currently in or willing to relocate to an office in the GCC region (e.g. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait)
  
  

• Competitive compensation package
• Housing Allowance – This is a cash-based allowance to support housing and is part of total fixed salary. It is paid monthly along with the Base Salary
• Discretionary annual Bonus
• Participation in company commission program
• Annual Leave Ticket – Economy class return ticket for employee & dependents (spouse & children) to home country, once every year
• Health Insurance – For employee & dependents (spouse & children)
• 25 days PTO