Senior Business Development Manager

About The Economist Group

Established in 1843, The Economist Group stands for independence and excellence, delivering insightful media and information services enhanced by digital innovations and rigorous analysis. Our global outreach spans over 170 countries through our branches: The Economist, Economist Enterprise, and Economist Education. We empower decision-makers worldwide to navigate complexities effectively.

Our workplace culture promotes creativity, accountability, and high performance. We encourage fresh ideas, foster integrity, and reward exceptional contributions. Collaboratively transcending disciplines and geographies, our commitment remains towards innovation and meaningful impact.

Role Overview

The Senior Business Development Manager will play a crucial role in accelerating growth within the Gulf's non-governmental and non-financial sectors. This position involves driving sales of flagship Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) analytical and data solutions and managing the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network (EICN) offerings, including executive membership engagements.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle the entire sales process, from strategic targeting to deal closure.
• Gain comprehensive insight into major organisations' structures and subsidiaries across target sectors.
• Establish and maintain relationships with multiple stakeholders within large corporations.
• Promote both subscription services centered around data analysis and executive-level corporate networking memberships.

Success Factors

• Ability to chart complex organisational hierarchies and decision-making pathways.
• Transform geopolitical and macroeconomic trends into business advantages.
• Manage extended consultative sales cycles engaging senior executives.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Extensive B2B sales background in SaaS, data-as-a-product, information services, or consulting, alongside a keen interest in geopolitics and economics.
• Thorough understanding of the Middle Eastern market dynamics, including economic and geopolitical contexts.
• Polished communication skills suitable for sophisticated corporate environments.
• Proven track record of forming and sustaining trusted partnerships at the C-suite or executive level.
• Experience in pipeline development, prospecting, and new business closure.
• Exceptional skill in interpreting complex data and presenting actionable insights.
• Familiarity with data-driven sales propositions and associated workflows, such as analytics and API integration, without requirement for deep technical expertise.
• Strong discipline in maintaining CRM data hygiene and accurate sales forecasting, particularly with Salesforce.
• Arabic language proficiency is advantageous.
• Must be UAE-based with willingness to travel regionally as needed.

Working Conditions

This role primarily operates onsite with a hybrid model mandating attendance in the office for at least three days per week.

Use of AI in Application Process

Applicants are permitted to leverage AI tools during their application; however, all information submitted must truthfully represent personal qualifications and experience.

Benefits

• Competitive pension or retirement savings plans (pension/401(k)).
• Comprehensive private health insurance coverage.
• 24/7 access to employee assistance programs offering counselling and wellbeing resources.
• Flexible Work From Anywhere scheme permitting remote work up to 25 days annually, contingent on legal eligibility.
• Generous paid annual and parental leaves along with dedicated days off for volunteering and relocation.
• Complimentary full access to The Economist content, including digital subscriptions, applications, and podcasts.