Business Development Executive

About Zagros Search

Zagros Search is an international legal executive search firm focusing exclusively on recruiting legal professionals across Germany, the UK, the US, and the Middle East. Collaborating with leading law firms globally, we support their strategic expansion through associate to partner-level hires. Our work contributes to building legal practices, expanding into new regions, and executing long-term growth plans.

Unlike traditional recruiters, we serve as trusted advisors who deeply understand the legal market and maintain long-standing relationships with influential lawyers. We offer strategic hiring guidance that shapes our clients' futures.

The Opportunity

We are expanding our Middle East presence and seek a Business Development Executive to join our Dubai office. This role focuses on driving partner-lateral growth strategy in Germany, the US, and the Middle East. It is a senior commercial position with direct involvement alongside company founders, responsible for managing business development in three key markets. The role is advisory rather than transactional, requiring insight to anticipate where firms are investing and evolving before formal mandates arise.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the business development strategy targeting partner-lateral and team hire mandates within Germany, the US, and Middle East markets.
• Establish and nurture senior-level relationships with managing partners, practice leaders, and firm executives across these geographies.
• Spot emerging growth opportunities such as new market entries, practice building, restructuring, and translate these into recruitment mandates.
• Collaborate closely with consultants and researchers to turn market data and candidate networks into commercial opportunities.
• Implement structured market mapping, competitor analysis, and lateral move tracking focusing on priority practice areas.
• Advise clients at senior levels on hiring strategies, positioning, and competitive insights.
• Represent the company at key legal industry events and conferences across the three regions.
• Travel frequently and internationally to foster in-person client relationships.
• Report directly to company founders and significantly influence the firm's growth plans.

Candidate Profile

• Proven success in senior business development roles, preferably within executive search, legal recruitment, professional services, or advisory sectors.
• Established networks or credibility in at least one of the targeted legal markets (Germany, US, Middle East); multi-region experience is highly valued.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in German or other languages advantageous, reflecting the firm’s focus on the German market.
• Comfortable engaging with managing partners, general counsel, and senior legal figures.
• Excellent commercial acumen with foresight to identify emerging opportunities.
• Ability to work autonomously in a founder-led, dynamic entrepreneurial environment.
• Preparedness for extensive international travel and operating across multiple time zones.
• A genuine passion for the legal field and commitment to cultivating lasting relationships over transactional engagements.

Why Join Zagros Search?

• A pivotal strategic role shaping BD efforts across three major international markets.
• Direct collaboration with founders and the ability to influence company-wide strategy.
• Hybrid work model based in Dubai, plus international travel throughout Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
• Access to top-tier legal leadership and managing partners worldwide.
• Competitive fixed salary complemented by a performance bonus scheme.
• Ownership of a growth sector with potential to lead and develop a team as the region expands.
• Merit-based career advancement emphasizing performance over tenure.

Company Culture

We are committed to building a sustainable, supportive, and ambitious organization. Our success derives from collaboration, responsibility, and ongoing development rather than aggressive sales tactics. We value ideas, personal growth, and recognized expertise within specialized markets. If you prioritize meaningful relationships and strategic advisement within the legal sphere, Zagros Search provides an ideal environment.

How to Join

If you seek a senior international business development opportunity in a specialist executive search firm and enjoy working in a motivated, passionate team, we welcome your application.