Business Development Manager (UAE)

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In this dynamic and relationship-focused role, you will be responsible for expanding and optimising our retail presence across the UAE through strategic partnerships, mall relationships, and innovative retail formats. You will serve as the primary liaison with mall management teams, identify new business opportunities, and support ownership in making informed expansion decisions.

Your role encompasses managing existing mall relationships, researching potential retail locations, developing pop-up store rollouts, and creating strategic partnerships with complementary businesses. You will explore innovative retail concepts including store-in-store partnerships and cross-promotional opportunities with cinemas, family entertainment centres, and other synergistic retailers. You will be instrumental in launching new initiatives, supporting lease discussions through market intelligence, and ensuring optimal directional signage and brand presence across all locations.

To be successful, you will need exceptional relationship-building skills, strong commercial acumen, cultural sensitivity for the UAE market, and the ability to identify and capitalize on emerging retail opportunities. You must be comfortable with frequent travel across the Emirates and skilled at managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities Mall Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with mall management teams across all UAE locations
• Serve as primary point of contact for landlord communications and operational matters
• Coordinate with mall management on promotional opportunities, events, and seasonal activations
• Ensure compliance with mall regulations, operating procedures, and tenant guidelines
• Support ownership in lease discussions by providing market intelligence and relationship insights

Brand Presence & Visibility

• Oversee all mall directional signage, ensuring accuracy and brand compliance
• Identify opportunities for in-mall branding, advertising, and promotional placements
• Coordinate seasonal decorations, window displays, and external store presentation
• Manage brand visibility during mall-wide events and promotional periods
• Ensure consistent brand representation across all touchpoints

Pop-Up Store Development

• Develop and execute pop-up store strategy for temporary retail activations
• Identify high-traffic locations and seasonal opportunities for pop-up placements
• Manage end-to-end pop-up execution from location securing to operational setup
• Coordinate with operations team for staffing, inventory, and logistics support
• Analyse pop-up performance and develop recommendations for future activations

New Store Development Support

• Identify and evaluate potential new store locations across the UAE, including new mall developments
• Review upcoming and newly opened malls where the brand is not currently present
• Conduct site visits, footfall analysis, and commercial viability assessments
• Engage with landlords and leasing agents to gather market intelligence, rental rates, and lease terms
• Compile comprehensive location reports and landlord information for ownership review
• Provide market intelligence and competitive analysis to support decision-making
• Coordinate with design and construction teams for approved new store fit-outs
• Support opening timelines and launch activities for new locations

Strategic Partnership Development

• Identify and develop partnerships with complementary retailers and entertainment venues for mutual promotional opportunities
• Negotiate cross-promotional agreements with cinemas, restaurants, family entertainment centres, and other synergistic businesses
• Create collaborative marketing campaigns, such as cinema ticket promotions for film-related toys or reciprocal discount programmes
• Coordinate implementation of partnership promotions with marketing and operations teams
• Monitor partnership performance and optimise agreements for mutual benefit
• Explore innovative collaboration opportunities that enhance brand visibility and customer acquisition

UAE Market Expertise Local Market Knowledge

• Deep understanding of UAE retail landscape, mall hierarchies, and consumer preferences
• Knowledge of key shopping districts, emerging areas, and new development projects
• Awareness of upcoming mall openings and expansion opportunities
• Familiarity with UAE real estate regulations, lease structures, and commercial terms
• Understanding of seasonal shopping patterns, cultural events, and peak trading periods

Stakeholder Network

• Established relationships with mall management companies, property developers, and real estate agents
• Connections with landlords and leasing agents across existing and potential new locations
• Connections with complementary retailers, entertainment venues, family centres, and potential business partners
• Network within UAE toy retail, children's products, and family entertainment markets
• Relationships with cinema chains, restaurants, and other synergistic businesses
• Connections with government entities and licensing authorities where relevant

Skills & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Marketing, or equivalent
• Experience: Minimum 3-5 years experience in business development, retail operations, area management, or commercial roles within UAE
• Relationship Building: Proven track record of building and maintaining successful business relationships
• Commercial Acumen: Strong analytical skills and understanding of retail economics, market assessment, and commercial viability analysis
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and deadlines
• Communication: Excellent English communication skills; Arabic language abilities highly advantageous
• UAE Market Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of UAE retail market and mall operations
• Mobility: Valid UAE driving licence with own vehicle; willingness to travel frequently across all Emirates

• Previous experience in toy retail, children's products, or family entertainment
• Experience with partnership development and cross-promotional campaigns
• Area management or multi-site retail operations experience
• Real estate or property development background
• Experience with franchise operations and brand expansion
• Knowledge of mall design, visual merchandising, and retail space optimisation
• Professional qualifications in business development, marketing, or related field

Performance Measures

• Number of new business partnerships and strategic alliances developed
• Quality of location analysis and market intelligence provided to ownership
• Successful execution of cross-promotional campaigns and partnership initiatives
• Pop-up store rollout performance and results
• Mall relationship satisfaction scores and partnership renewals
• Brand visibility improvements and signage compliance rates
• Revenue generation from partnerships and business development initiatives
• Market intelligence quality and actionable insights provided

UAE Specific Considerations

• Understanding of business etiquette, relationship-building practices, and communication styles
• Appreciation for Islamic business principles and cultural sensitivities
• Knowledge of Ramadan trading patterns, Eid celebrations, and national holidays

Regulatory Knowledge

• Familiarity with UAE commercial regulations, licensing requirements, and compliance standards
• Understanding of mall regulations, fire safety, and operational procedures
• Knowledge of visual merchandising guidelines and signage restrictions
• Awareness of consumer protection laws and retail best practices

Travel Requirements

This role requires regular travel across all seven Emirates, with approximately 40-50% time spent visiting malls, potential locations, and meeting with partners outside the Dubai office.