Director, Business Development

Director, Business Development & Market Expansion Reporting to: Commercial Director, Kaplan Professional MENA The Role As the Director, Business Development & Market Expansion at Kaplan Professional Middle East, you will be a strategic executor responsible for implementing the approved sales strategy. Your critical focus is driving the adoption and sales of our comprehensive portfolio of digital and non-digital learning solutions and platforms across the MENA region. This role requires the proactive building and leveraging of relationships to ensure rapid market penetration for our entire product suite with corporate and government clients. This senior role requires a proven track record of over 7 years in high-value sales execution within the professional education space, with demonstrated expertise in selling digital learning products at scale and managing a diverse portfolio. Key Responsibilities Sales Execution & Market Penetration - Lead sales execution for the full learning portfolio, achieving revenue growth and expanding market share across the region. - Prioritize and scale digital learning solutions through strategic market positioning and client engagement. - Drive new market entry by converting strategic plans into sales targets and forging key revenue partnerships. - Secure major corporate and government contracts while managing a robust pipeline of strategic accounts. - Monitor competitor activity, sales performance metrics, and market feedback to ensure timely and effective strategy execution. Relationship & Stakeholder Management - Build and maintain strong networks with C-suite and senior HR/L&D leaders across corporate and government sectors. - Lead the full sales cycle from prospecting and needs analysis to proposal, negotiation, and deal closure. - Manage strategic client relationships to drive satisfaction, renewals, and upselling across the product suite. - Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to ensure effective market positioning and compliance. Commercial Insight & Enablement - Provide on-the-ground commercial insights to leadership on client receptivity, execution challenges, and localization needs. - Guide and oversee the development of impactful client-facing materials presentations, and proposals that effectively convey Kaplan’s value proposition. Qualifications & Experience - 15+ years of professional experience, including at least 7 years in sales and business development within professional education. - Mandatory proven track record of success selling digital learning, EdTech, or E-learning solutions. - Proven track record of achieving and exceeding high-value sales targets within the MENA corporate and government sectors across a diverse product mix. - Demonstrated experience in a senior sales execution role at a major global professional education provider is highly desirable. - Fluency in both Arabic (a must) and English, with outstanding presentation and communication skills in both languages. - Bachelor’s in Business, Marketing, or related field; Master’s preferred. - Strong understanding of the corporate L&D landscape and various learning delivery methodologies. 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. - Competitive salary and an incentive structure that rewards high-level sales performance and success. - Professional development opportunities and support for further education. - A dynamic and inclusive work environment that values innovation and growth. #J-18808-Ljbffr