Manager Business Development, dnata Travel

At dnata Travel Group Contact Centres, we are proud to support our customers as a leading, award-winning travel services provider. Our global presence and service proposition deliver contact centre expertise in all aspects of the travel industry from online travel agencies, local brick-and-mortar agencies, global travel consolidators, corporate travel, sports travel, destination management and attractions through to airline representation services. Today our Contact Centres consist of 1,950 passionate people delivering services to end customers in more than 60 markets around the world from 5 key global locations.

As our Manager of Business Development, dnata Travel, you will manage and lead the support and further development of the dnata network worldwide to enhance growth, profitability, and market share, as well as consolidate the assigned dnata Travel brand across the assigned regions. You will also develop and implement strategic partnerships, defining the sales and business development strategy and plan, and developing the regional marketing strategy for Government Travel, Global Corporates, SME businesses and dnata Offshore and Marine business, liaising with internal specialist departments as appropriate (e.g Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand).

You must have a proven business development track record, and ideally have strong experience in developing and delivering sales strategies for BPO or large contact centres, specifically within the airline and travel B2B or B2C sectors. You must be able and willing to take a hands-on approach to our business development from the ground up. You will be based in our Dubai office, with the requirement to travel as required to our global offices or clients.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and implement long-term sales strategies and policies for assigned dnata Travel brand to maximize profitability across different lines of businesses and regional partners.
• Monitor market dynamics, adapt business strategies to changing conditions, and track competitor activities, recommending process, system, and strategy changes for growth.
• Conduct independent research on clients/prospects, travel market trends, and key contacts to support sales strategies and secure new global accounts.
• Manage regional partnerships, including appointing new partners and nurturing relationships with senior management.
• Ensure compliance with partner and client contracts, identifying potential issues and proposing corrective actions.
• Plan and execute marketing campaigns to enhance dnata Travel's brand recognition and positioning within assigned regions.
• Lead the research, pursuit, and acquisition of new business, leading proposal bids.
• Collaborate with operational stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery to dnata Travel clients and seek process improvements.
• Lead a regional sales task force focused on achieving dnata Travel's sales objectives and foster a team-based culture.
• Lead the Business Development Team, set and monitor performance objectives and development plans for direct reports, aligned with departmental goals.
• Be accountable for business development activities at the CEO and Managing Director levels, ensuring specialized services are positioned and sold to generate profitable revenue streams.
• Evaluate and recommend travel management solutions, policies, technology, and supplier partnerships to optimize cost for clients.
• Manage and contribute to the annual budget for dnata Travel, oversee revenue targets, and efficiently allocate resources.
• Represent dnata Travel at regional conferences and sales meetings.
• Identify new business opportunities and align objectives for sales, new products, and marketing with the dnata Travel brand's image and goals.

Qualifications & Experience

To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements:

• At least 10 years of work experience in a sales or business development role in the travel sector, BPO or large-scale contact centre, including at least 5 years’ experience managing and leading sales teams.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Able and willing to be hands-on in business development activities from the ground up.
• Deep knowledge of the corporate travel sector including consumer behaviour, competitor activity, and a broad network of corporate travel industry contacts.
• Advanced, applied knowledge of CRM tools.
• Experience working with/in the MEWA/NA region for a multinational organisation.
• Systematic and logical approach to solving problems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (additional languages will be a distinct advantage).
• Advanced negotiation skills and demonstrable ability to influence senior level stakeholders internal and external to the organisation.

At dnata, part of Emirates Group, we’re committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. So, if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, apply today and join our team!

Salary & Benefits

Join us in a management role and enjoy an attractive tax-free salary. On top of our generous travel benefits, including discounted flights and hotel stays around the world, this managerial role also has an excellent leave and healthcare package. That’s on top of transport benefits, life insurance and more.