Senior Business Development Manager Private Lounges (Dubai)
Location: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Luxury Hospitality / Private Members Clubs / Premium Lounges
Level: Senior Manager
About the Role
We are seeking a highly driven Senior Business Development Manager with strong operational experience in private lounges, premium hospitality, or members-only clubs. This role will be responsible for driving business expansion across Dubai and the wider GCC, while also supporting the operational structure of newly launched and existing lounges.
The ideal candidate has a proven track record in commercial growth, partnerships, market expansion, and premium guest experience, with the operational capability to elevate lounge performance and ensure seamless execution on the ground.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Expansion
- Identify, evaluate, and secure new business opportunities for the expansion of private lounges in Dubai and the GCC.
- Develop and execute market-entry strategies, feasibility studies, and commercial roadmaps for new lounge locations.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with developers, landlords, luxury brands, corporate clients, and high-net-worth networks.
- Lead negotiations for contracts, commercial agreements, and venue partnerships.
- Analyze market trends and competitive landscape to drive targeted growth strategies.
Commercial Strategy & Revenue Growth
- Develop revenue models and membership acquisition strategies.
- Drive sales performance through targeted outreach to VIP clients, corporate partners, event planners, and hospitality groups.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to develop promotional plans, events, and activations to increase visibility and revenue.
- Monitor P&L, budgeting, and financial forecasts related to lounge expansion and performance.
Operational Support & Execution
- Work closely with Operations to ensure the smooth setup, pre-opening, and launch of new lounge locations.
- Provide ongoing operational support to improve service standards, guest experience, and SOP implementation.
- Ensure that all lounges operate according to brand standards, compliance requirements, and premium service guidelines.
- Conduct operational audits and recommend improvements related to staffing, service flow, and guest journey.
Stakeholder Management
- Act as the bridging function between Business Development, Operations, Marketing, and Senior Leadership.
- Prepare and deliver high-quality presentations, business cases, and performance reports for executive stakeholders.
- Maintain strong relationships with government entities, licensing bodies, and key business partners.
Requirements
- Minimum 812 years of experience in Business Development, Commercial Strategy, or Expansion roles within private lounges, luxury hospitality, premium clubs, nightlife, or lifestyle brands.
- Strong understanding of Dubai's luxury F&B, nightlife, and premium lounge market.
- Experienced in pre-openings, operational processes, and multi-site coordination.
- Proven success in securing partnerships, closing deals, and driving revenue growth.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage complex projects, timelines, and cross-functional teams.
- Dubai or GCC market experience is essential.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in private members clubs, VIP lounges, luxury lifestyle concepts, or premium F&B groups.
- Strong network within developers, landlords, real estate groups, event planners, and luxury clientele.
- Ability to balance commercial strategy with hands-on operational execution.
