Business Development and Strategy Director

Business Development and Strategy Director

Join Us in Transforming the Future of Emergency Services, Defence and Security in Abu Dhabi.

Serco Middle East, in partnership with our local joint venture partner, is leading an ambitious transformation in Abu Dhabi to establish a Champion in Emergency Services, Risk, Resilience, Training, and Defence and Security Advisory. We're assembling a top-tier management team to drive this mission, setting strategies, building operational capabilities, and executing sustainable growth across these critical sectors.

This is a unique and exciting chance to join a newly-formed team at the forefront of transforming the emergency services landscape. If you have the relevant experience and are ready to play a key role in this high-impact initiative, we want to hear from you!

The Business Development and Strategy Director will play a key role in establishing the growth and development strategy of the business. The role will involve identifying new business opportunities, building relationships with potential partners, and leading strategic initiatives to drive business growth and transformation.

The role has been established to spearhead the development of the growth function within the organisation to enable to achieve its Mission of becoming the Champion for Emergency Response, Risk, Resilience and Defence Advisory and achieve a AED2bn turnover. This will ensure that the company is competitive and adapts to changes in the emergency response and defence industries. This will involve strategic planning, innovation in service delivery, and enhancement of bidding, solutions and proposal practices. The Business Development and Strategy Director will build a team that becomes a highly effective growth function.

The hiring for this role is subject to contract award.

Key Accountabilities

• Work with the CEO and BU directors to develop and implement 5 year strategy and business plans to achieve long-term growth objectives.
• Create and execute the Group 5 Year Business Plan
• Lead market analysis and research activities to identify potential business opportunities and areas for innovation.
• Monitor and analyse industry trends and competitor activities to maintain competitive advantage.
• Create and embed BD, Account Management and Bidding Systems, Processes and Tools
• Build strong BD and Bidding Capabilities
• Identify new business opportunities and manage and execute the Sales Pipeline
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government entities, business partners, and suppliers
• Support the CEO and Parent Organisation in considering the future brand design and positioning
• Develop a strategy and plan for promoting online and through social media (primarily website and LinkedIn)
• Evaluate and manage participation at Trade Shows and Industry Events
• Build a successful growth function, manage and mentor the business development and strategy team, setting clear goals, KPIs and achieve high levels of staff engagement
• Oversee the budgeting and resource allocation for business development activities

Specific Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in Project Management (PMP), Business Analysis (CBAP), or Strategy (SMC) are desirable.
• Minimum of 10 years in a senior strategic planning or business development role within the emergency services and defence industries or a related sector.
• Proven track record of leading business transformations and managing complex projects.
• Experience in setting up and leading a new business unit or department.
• Extensive experience in dealing with government contracts and understanding of public sector procurement processes.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Proficiency in business intelligence and market analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Advanced negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Proficient in project management software and methodologies.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of effectively presenting ideas and negotiating at all levels including board level.
• Willingness to travel as required for business meetings and relationship development.
• Proficiency in Arabic is advantageous due to the regional focus of the business.