Senior Business Development Manager Corporate Travel - Emiratisation

Job Purpose

dnata is more than a global air and travel services provider. We connect people with possibilities and opportunities across 130+ airports in 34 countries through ground handling, cargo, travel, and catering & retail services. Our purpose is clear: to deliver on the promises our customers make. We are powered by a bold vision to be the world’s most admired air and travel services provider, which guides our strategy, culture, and every role across our teams. Our core values fuel everything we do: we are safe, we play to win, we respect everyone and work together as a team, and we are future thinking. At dnata, we foster diversity, nurture ambition, and celebrate achievement. If youre inspired by purpose and motivated to be part of a global team shaping the future of aviation and travel, we’d love to have you onboard.

As a Senior Business Development Manager, you wil lead and manage a high-performing team to grow and acquire new business, devising compelling, client-centric solutions that drive revenue while delivering exceptional customer service. You will develop and execute a long-term strategic Client Relationship plan, underpinned by an annual sales plan, to achieve targets for revenue growth, profitability, and market share. Acting as a senior representative of the business, you will lead negotiations and evaluate opportunities in line with the business unit’s growth strategy.

In this role, you will

• Identify, develop and drive a 2-3 year Client Relationship strategy for the assigned business unit to deliver growth and profitability, ensuring alignment with divisional and dnata Travel Group strategies.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships and build strong, long-term customer relationships to drive sustainable growth.
• Collaborate closely with support functions to shape and execute sales strategies that enhance marketing effectiveness and sales performance.
• Own delivery of revenue and profitability targets, including budget management and the effective utilisation of overheads, manpower and capital expenditure.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and monthly re-forecasting through robust pipeline management, reporting and performance tracking.
• Maintain full accountability for client profitability and oversight of all client relations and marketing activities across the department.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Client Relationship team, fostering collaboration across business units, divisions and Emirates Group brands.
• Champion a culture of open communication, accountability, performance management and collaboration in line with the dnata vision, mission and values.
• Set and cascade clear performance objectives, addressing capability gaps through targeted training and performance improvement plans, while recognising and rewarding success.
• Build and maintain senior-level stakeholder networks across key markets to promote the business and support growth objectives.
• Identify and convert new business opportunities, actively promoting the business with clients, partners and media as required.
• Manage day-to-day CRM operations and SOPs to ensure consistently high standards of service, brand reputation and operational excellence.
• Represent the company at local and international trade shows, sales missions and networking events.
• Develop compelling business presentations and proposals for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with dnata Travel and Emirates Group governance standards, implementing required policies and controls within the CRM function.
• Drive effective adoption and utilisation of CRM tools, including Salesforce, across the BD team.
• Ensure timely and compliant on-boarding of new customers in line with contractual and operational requirements.
  
  

Qualification

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

• Bachelors degree and 8+ years’ Commercial/Sales experience in Hospitality/Aviation/Travel with at least 5 years experience in a managerial level.
• Strong experience engaging stakeholders across the travel and tourism value chain.
• Proven success in selling innovative partnerships and creating compelling customer value propositions
• Advanced working knowledge of CRM tools.
• Structured problem-solver with strong creativity and lateral thinking.
• Confident leader and effective team player.
• Self-driven, highly organised, proactive and adaptable.
• Deep understanding of the travel industry with a strong network of contacts.
• Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders in a multinational, multicultural environment.
  
  

You’ll have an edge if you have

• Good knowledge of destinations and travel products
  
  

At 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

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 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 ;

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