We are looking for a Senior Business Manager to join our Dubai team and act as a true sales leader and business developer.
You will be responsible for building and growing a client portfolio, identifying new opportunities, managing strategic accounts, and working closely with Talent Acquisition and Delivery teams to place high-caliber consultants on client projects.
This role is ideal for a senior profile from an ESN / IT services environment with a strong hunter mindset, deep understanding of consulting sales, and an established regional network.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Sales
- Develop and execute a business growth strategy for the UAE and Middle East market.
- Identify, approach, and onboard new clients across industries including IT & Digital, Cloud, Cybersecurity, AI/Data, and Healthcare.
- Actively prospect (cold calling, networking, events, referrals) and manage the full sales cycle: lead generation, qualification, proposal, negotiation, and closing.
- Build strong relationships with C-level executives, IT Directors, Digital & Innovation leaders.
Account Management & Client Partnership
- Manage and grow a portfolio of strategic accounts with a long-term partnership mindset.
- Understand client roadmaps, transformation programs, and resource needs to anticipate opportunities.
- Ensure high client satisfaction and repeat business.
Consulting & Delivery Collaboration
- Work closely with Talent Acquisition and Delivery teams to translate client needs into clear hiring requirements.
- Support bids, RFPs, and proposals in collaboration with technical and recruitment teams.
- Contribute to the successful placement of consultants (contract / project-based) and follow up on performance and renewals.
Market & Competitive Intelligence
- Monitor market trends, competitors (notably ESNs like Akkodis Middle East), and emerging technologies.
- Position Astek as a trusted consulting partner, not just a staffing provider.
Required Experience & Profile
Experience
- 7+ years of experience in business development or sales within an ESN / IT services / consulting firm.
- Proven track record of winning new clients and closing deals in the Middle East (UAE highly preferred).
- Strong exposure to selling consulting services, project-based engagements, and IT expertise.
- Experience working with recruitment/talent teams to fulfill client demands and place consultants.
Industry & Domain Knowledge
- Solid understanding of at least several of the following domains:
- IT & Digital Transformation
- Cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Cybersecurity
- AI / Data / Analytics
- Healthcare IT / Digital Health
- Strong familiarity with the ESN business model (rates, margins, consultants placement, delivery follow-up).
Skills & Competencies
Sales & Business Skills
- Strong hunter mentality with excellent prospecting and negotiation skills
- Ability to build credibility with senior stakeholders
- Strategic thinking with a hands-on execution mindset
- Excellent presentation and proposal skills
Soft Skills
- Entrepreneurial, autonomous, and results-driven
- Strong communication and relationship-building abilities
- Collaborative mindset with internal teams (TA, Delivery, Management)
- High resilience and adaptability in a competitive market
Languages
- English: fluent (mandatory)
- Arabic or French is a strong plus