Contract type: Full Time - Permanent
Location: Dubai or middle EastStudy Group is looking for a dynamic Partnership and Business Development Manager to drive sustainable and commercially viable partnerships in both B2B and B2G sectors across the Middle East. This role involves leading the development of strategic alliances, expanding our market presence, and supporting the growth of our organization through innovative business development initiatives.ABOUT THE ROLE:Partnership Development:

• Lead the development of strategic partnerships with universities and other relevant organizations in the Middle East to expand our reach, enhance our offerings, and drive business growth.
• Identify and pursue partnership opportunities that align with our strategic objectives, managing the process from initial prospecting to final client acquisition.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential partners and evaluate partnership opportunities.
• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate new partnerships, establishing relationships with key decision-makers.

Business Development:

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand our customer base and revenue streams.
• Develop and implement strategies to capitalize on market trends and opportunities.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of potential business opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute business development initiatives.

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement strategic plans to guide partnership and business development initiatives.
• Conduct market analysis, competitive research, and trend forecasting to inform strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align partnership and business development strategies with organizational goals and objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of strategic initiatives, making adjustments as needed.

University and Customer Partnership Negotiation and Contracting:

• Lead negotiation and contract discussions with potential partner universities to establish mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies to achieve favorable partnership terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with legal and finance teams to ensure all partnerships comply with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

Proposal and Bids:

• Support the preparation of proposals and bids to secure new university partners and clients.
• Manage the complete bid and proposal lifecycle from Expression of Interest (EOI) to contract in the Middle East region.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor and report on the progress and impact of partnerships, tracking key performance indicators and conducting regular reviews.
• Provide timely and accurate reports to senior leadership on partnership activities and outcomes.

Market Intelligence:

• Conduct market research and analysis to identify market trends, customer needs, market gaps, emerging trends, and the competitive landscape.
• Gather and analyze data on industry trends, customer preferences, and market opportunities.
• Stay abreast of industry news, developments, and the higher education landscape in the Middle East.

Representation:

• Represent the organization in external meetings, conferences, events, and industry forums.
• Serve as the organization's ambassador and spokesperson, promoting our brand, values, and partnership opportunities.
• Build and maintain a positive and professional image for the organization in external interactions.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Total Contract Value (TCV) of deals signed.
• Exit weighted pipeline for the current and subsequent year.

ABOUT YOU:

• Educational Background: Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Marketing, International Relations, or a related field. A Masters degree or MBA is preferred.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in business development, partnership management, or a similar role within the education sector or a related industry.
• Regional Expertise: Demonstrated experience working in the Middle East region, with a strong understanding of local market dynamics and cultural nuances.
• Strategic Planning: Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives that drive business growth and partnership success.
• Relationship Management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including universities, government entities, and corporate partners.
• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation and contracting skills, with experience leading complex negotiations to achieve favourable outcomes.
• Market Analysis: Proficient in conducting market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and competitive landscapes.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and deliver results within deadlines.
• Team Collaboration: Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, finance, and legal departments.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions and organizational needs.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.
• Travel: Willingness to travel within the Middle East region as needed to develop and maintain partnerships.

ABOUT US:
Study Group is a leading international education provider that is dedicated and passionate about helping students around the world, creating a brighter future and reaching their full potential. With university partnerships and a variety of face-to-face, online, and hybrid study programmes, we are able to provide students with the resources and guidance they need to succeed. Our global network of offices and university partnerships ensure that students receive the best educational services available. Additionally, our Insendi platform enables us to deliver innovative, accessible, and intuitive digital learning experiences with the most advanced digital tools available.ORGANISATIONAL COMPLIANCE
Study Group is proud of its high standards in safeguarding and recognises its importance in enabling the best possible student experience and outcomes. For successful applicants, the following checks will be conducted- Criminal Background Check (country-specific), x2 References, ID and Right to Work checks as well as Education Verification.
We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and we strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, or any other factor. We believe that the best person for the job should be selected based on skills and experience alone. Your information will be kept confidential and stored securely. Please see our .

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