Senior Business Development Manager

The Role As a highly driven and results-oriented Senior Manager, Business Development at Kaplan Professional Middle East, you will be a critical sales leader responsible for significantly growing our B2B footprint in the Eastern Region of KSA and Bahrain. Your primary focus will be on the strategic acquisition of new clients and the expansion of existing accounts for Kaplan's full suite of professional development, training solutions, and services. This includes courses across Finance and Business Skills, Leadership and Behavioral Development, Digital Transformation, and Professional Qualifications. This senior role demands a seasoned professional with a vast personal network and a proven ability to leverage and nurture key relationships to secure high-value, long-term corporate training contracts. Key Responsibilities Strategic Sales & Growth Leadership • Lead new client acquisition and business development efforts for all Kaplan Professional ME offerings across the MENA region (focusing on Eastern Region in KSA and Bahrain). • Develop and execute aggressive sales strategies to achieve and exceed high-value revenue targets across the full product portfolio. • Master the full sales cycle, from initial prospecting and qualification to sophisticated proposal development, negotiation, and closing of complex B2B training deals. • Proactively identify and develop opportunities for growth within and adjacent to all Kaplan Professional training verticals. Client Relationship & Network Leverage • Leverage a vast personal network of senior HR, L&D, and C-suite executives across the MENA corporate and government sectors to rapidly drive new business. • Manage and nurture key stakeholder and client relationships to ensure a deep understanding of their unique needs and expectations. • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Product, Marketing, Delivery) to design and position comprehensive training solutions that meet client requirements. Commercial Insight & Proposal Excellence • Conduct continuous research on competitors, product strategies, and pricing to inform our sales approach. • Assist the sales and marketing team to drive sales, including tasks such as crafting highly compelling, customized proposals and participating in critical client meetings. • Stay updated on industry trends and emerging learning technologies to position Kaplan at the forefront of the L&D market. Qualifications & Experience • Minimum of 10 years of progressive Business Development experience, with a minimum of 5 years specifically in a B2B sales/BD role within the Learning and Development (L&D) or Corporate Training industry in the KSA. • Proven track record of achieving and exceeding substantial sales quotas by selling a diversified portfolio of professional training solutions (e.g., finance, leadership, digital, qualifications). • Demonstrated success in leveraging a pre-existing strong network of contacts to secure large-scale B2B contracts in the MENA region. • Fluency in both Arabic and English (a must), with exceptional verbal and written communication skills. • Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred. • Strong project management abilities and a data-driven mindset. Desired Behaviours • Strategic and results-focused: Possesses a strong commercial acumen and a strategic approach to market penetration. • Demonstrate strong leadership to inspire and influence peers and team members. • Collaborate with a positive mindset and embrace a team-oriented approach with a proactive attitude. • Display self-awareness and high emotional intelligence in managing high-stakes client relationships. • Willingness to travel internationally across the MENA region to meet business needs and client expectations. Benefits • Salary Package: SAR 30,000/month (SAR) and an incentive structure that rewards high-level sales performance and success. • Comprehensive benefits package. • Professional development opportunities and support for further education. • A dynamic and inclusive work environment that values innovation and growth.

Minimum of 10 years of progressive Business Development experience, with a minimum of 5 years specifically in a B2B sales/BD role within the Learning and Development (L&D) or Corporate Training industry in the KSA. Fluent in Arabic and English. Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or related field; Master’s degree preferred. Strong project management abilities and a data-driven mindset.

Lead new client acquisition and business development efforts for all Kaplan Professional ME offerings across the MENA region (focusing on Eastern Region in KSA and Bahrain). Develop and execute aggressive sales strategies to achieve and exceed high-value revenue targets across the full product portfolio. Master the full sales cycle from prospecting to proposal development, negotiation, and closing of complex B2B training deals. Proactively identify and develop growth opportunities within Kaplan Professional training verticals. Leverage network of senior HR, L&D, and C-suite executives to drive new business. Manage and nurture stakeholder relationships. Collaborate with Product, Marketing, Delivery to design and position training solutions. Conduct competitive and pricing research to inform sales approach. Craft customized proposals and participate in critical client meetings. Stay updated on industry trends and learning technologies.