Director Business Development

Who We Are:

160over90 is an award-winning global marketing agency which forges stronger human connections and creates shared moments where people feel something real. With 800 thinkers, doers, and makers across every cultural corner of the world, the agency offers a full-service, channel-agnostic approach and a deep connection to the people, places, and properties that drive the conversation of tomorrow. 160over90 works with leading brands including AB InBev, Amazon, Coca-Cola, DP World, Macy’s, Marriott International, McDonald’s, Verizon and Visa. 160over90 is part of WME Group, a global representation business comprising the world’s leading talent, intellectual property and brands.

The Role and What You’ll Do:

At 160over90, Business Development is the engine that drives growth, shapes our client portfolio, and sets the tone for how prospective clients experience the agency. We’re seeking a strategically minded, pitch-savvy Director of New Business Development to join our Dubai office and lead the charge in expanding our footprint across the region.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, can lead medium-sized pitches independently, and knows how to build compelling narratives that connect our capabilities to client needs. You’ll be trusted to manage multiple projects, present with gravitas, and bring clarity and cohesion to every stage of the pitch process. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring junior talent, optimizing BD operations, and representing the agency with confidence both internally and externally.

Pitch Leadership & Strategy

• Lead small to medium-sized pitches independently, with minimal oversight from senior leadership.
• Support larger, complex pitches in collaboration with VPs and cross-functional teams.
• Build compelling pitch narratives that connect 160over90’s capabilities and case studies to client challenges.
• Present agency credentials and work with confidence and clarity to prospective clients.
• Understand client briefs inside and out, anticipate needs, and proactively prepare for each stage of the pitch.
• Own the full pitch process from a logistics and storytelling perspective—assembling all pieces and tying them together seamlessly.
  
  

Pipeline & Prospecting

• Lead your own prospecting efforts—identifying, nurturing, and converting opportunities into tangible scopes.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and ensure real-time updates on deal status, financials, and likelihood.
• Prepare weekly reports on pipeline health, active deals, and newly awarded work.
• Leverage an existing network of brand contacts across the Middle East to unlock new opportunities and accelerate growth.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with account, creative, finance, PR, and other teams to develop tailored proposals, pitch decks, and curated work portfolios.
• Liaise with internal service line specialists to unlock organic growth opportunities.
• Build strong, trusted relationships across all Centers of Excellence (COEs) and grow influence across the broader WME Group.
  
  

WME Group Integration

• Confidently speak to WME Group’s capabilities and point of difference, integrating them into pitches where relevant.
• Bring in WME relationships and opportunities to support broader business development goals.
  
  

Operational Excellence

• Maintain a library of best-in-class client work samples and case studies.
• Oversee archives of proposals and presentations for future use.
• Ensure process adherence, efficiency, and quality assurance across all BD activities.
• Begin to understand scoping, fee structures, and MSAs, contributing to commercial discussions.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the 160over90 brand, how we talk about ourselves, and our strategic sweet spot.
  
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Serve as a people manager for junior BD staff, providing mentorship, coaching, and performance oversight.
• Help train junior teammates on pitch process, agency positioning, and BD tools.
• Coordinate and contribute to internal workshops, planning sessions, and agency-wide trainings.
  
  

You Have These:

• Minimum 6 years of experience in business development, agency sales, or marketing/communications.
• Proven ability to lead pitches, build strategic narratives, and present with gravitas.
• Strong understanding of branding, marketing, and creative services.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-starter with a collaborative mindset and cross-functional working style.
• Deep understanding of the 160over90 brand and positioning.
• Proficiency in Apple Keynote and Microsoft Office; CRM experience preferred.
  
  

We’d Love If You Also Have These:

• Strong instincts – an ability to anticipate pitch needs and proactively guide internal stakeholders through each stage and use sharp thinking and clear communication to creatively move opportunities forward.
• Curious and inquisitive mindset—someone who challenges assumptions, digs deeper, and seeks new angles and opportunities.
• Existing network of brand contacts across the Middle East is highly beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, advertising, or communications.
  
  

How we work:

WME Group is at the center of sports, media, entertainment, and fashion and is a largely relationship-based business. To foster an environment of collaboration, develop our future talent, and build on relationships across leadership, peers, and teams, we work from the office 4 days per week. We see immeasurable value internally and throughout the core of the businesses we support.

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

Follow our story at 160over90.com and on Instagram and LinkedIn.

160/90 is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that encourages applications from qualified, eligible candidates from all backgrounds and life experiences regardless of race, gender identity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or belief.

---