Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Business Development to lead international business growth initiatives and expand its rotary-wing aviation services portfolio.
This is an opportunity for a proven business development professional with deep experience in the helicopter aviation industry, capable of identifying new market opportunities, securing strategic contracts, developing partnerships, and driving sustainable revenue growth across regional and international markets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive business development and commercial growth across international markets.
- Identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities within helicopter aviation services.
- Lead strategic initiatives across offshore transport, HEMS, Search & Rescue (SAR), private charter, ACMI, leasing, and MRO services.
- Develop and execute market entry and expansion strategies in new geographies.
- Build and manage a robust commercial pipeline, ensuring forecasting accuracy and conversion effectiveness.
- Lead complex commercial negotiations, contract structuring, and bid opportunities.
- Develop strategic partnerships, alliances, and joint-venture opportunities.
- Build and maintain relationships with government, defense, institutional, and commercial customers.
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Legal, and Risk teams to ensure successful execution of commercial opportunities.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Business Development team.
Ideal candidate will have:
- Minimum 13–15 years of experience in aviation, aerospace services, or other asset-intensive industries.
- At least 5 years in a senior Business Development or Commercial leadership role.
- Strong and demonstrable experience within the helicopter aviation industry is essential.
- Proven track record of delivering revenue growth and securing long-term commercial contracts.
- Strong understanding of rotary-wing operations including:
- Offshore Transport
- HEMS
- Search & Rescue (SAR)
- Charter Operations
- ACMI / Leasing
- MRO Service
- Experience working with government, defense, and institutional aviation customers is highly desirable.
- Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder, and international business opportunities.
- Strong commercial negotiation, pricing, contract structuring, and risk management experience.
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Aviation Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification is preferred.
Key Skills and Competencies:
- Business Development Leadership
- Strategic Sales & Market Expansion
- Complex Commercial Negotiations
- Strategic Partnerships & Alliances
- Pipeline & Opportunity Management
- Contract Structuring
- Revenue Growth & Commercial Strategy
- Stakeholder Management
- Aviation Commercial Models
- Fleet Utilization & Market Positioning
Candidates must have direct experience within the helicopter aviation sector and be willing to travel extensively.
