Job Title: Business Development Manager Hypermarket (UAE)
Location: UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Sharjah)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Business Development / Commercial
Must have Experience in Retail for a Hypermarket or Retail Group
Position Summary
The Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and executing new business opportunities that enhance revenue, customer engagement, and operational efficiency for the hypermarket. This role focuses on commercial partnerships, expansion opportunities, new revenue streams, and strategic initiatives that strengthen the brand's market position within the UAE's highly competitive retail landscape.
The BDM works cross-functionally with buying, operations, marketing, finance, and property development teams to drive sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities1. Business Growth & Market Expansion
- Develop and execute growth strategies for the hypermarket, including new store formats, category expansions, and new business ventures.
- Conduct market studies to identify customer trends, competitive threats, and emerging opportunities in the UAE retail sector.
- Identify new locations for stores or express formats in collaboration with real estate and operations teams.
- Evaluate potential acquisitions, partnerships, or franchise opportunities.
2. Commercial Partnerships & Revenue Diversification
- Identify and negotiate commercial partnerships with suppliers, service providers, and brands to create new revenue streams (e.g., in-store kiosks, leasing spaces, promotional partnerships).
- Develop B2B sales opportunities such as corporate bulk deals, institutional supply contracts, and wholesale programs.
- Manage income-generating initiatives like vendor-funded promotions, in-store activations, and digital advertising.
3. Strategic Projects & Innovation
- Lead strategic projects such as digital transformation initiatives, loyalty program enhancements, and new service introductions (home delivery, click & collect, personal shopping).
- Analyze global hypermarket trends and benchmark best practices for potential implementation within the UAE.
- Drive innovation in customer experience, including store layout improvements, technology integrations, and omni-channel enhancements.
4. Financial Planning & Performance Management
- Prepare business cases, feasibility studies, and ROI calculations for new initiatives.
- Monitor performance of new business implementations and ensure financial targets are achieved.
- Work with finance to forecast revenue and track KPIs for all development projects.
- Ensure budgets are aligned with strategic business development priorities.
5. Relationship & Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, developers, suppliers, and government entities.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholdersoperations, marketing, buying, HR, and supply chainto ensure effective execution of business initiatives.
- Manage communications and contract negotiations for partnership and development projects.
6. Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure new business activities adhere to UAE retail regulations, municipality guidelines, and other relevant authorities (Dubai Municipality, DED, Civil Defense, etc.).
- Ensure business proposals meet health & safety, food safety, and cultural requirements in the UAE market.
Qualifications & ExperienceEducation
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Marketing, or related field.
Experience
- 58 years of business development or commercial experience in retail, FMCG, hypermarkets, or shopping malls in the UAE/GCC.
- Proven track record of executing commercial projects, negotiating partnerships, and driving revenue growth.
- Strong exposure to UAE retail market dynamics, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong commercial acumen and financial analysis skills.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation abilities.
- Strategic thinking with strong project management and execution skills.
- Ability to identify and capitalize on new market opportunities.
- Strong relationship management and networking skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
- Proficient in MS Office, Power BI, CRM tools, and project management software.
- Fluency in English required; Arabic is an advantage.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Achievement of revenue and profit targets from new business streams.
- Number and value of successful partnerships or commercial agreements.
- Growth in customer footfall and market share.
- ROI and financial performance of development projects.
- Successful delivery of strategic projects within timelines and budgets.
- Expansion of B2B and institutional sales channels.
- Improvement in customer experience and brand perception.
