Business Development Manager

Please note: This position is based in Sharjah.

Business Development Manager – Market Expansion & Partnerships

Job Overview

Big Bad Wolf Books is expanding its footprint across the UAE and MENA through large-scale events, smaller activations, and new commercial channels.

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving expansion and growth opportunities, including new markets, venues, partnerships, and revenue models. This role focuses on identifying opportunities and working with internal teams to convert them into commercially viable initiatives. This is a growth and expansion role, not account management.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess new cities, markets, and venues for Big Bad Wolf book sale events across the UAE and MENA, evaluating local audience demand, access, timing windows, and operating conditions.
• Conduct feasibility assessments for proposed events and revenue initiatives by analysing expected footfall, venue constraints, event timing, inventory requirements, cost exposure, and operational impact, and translating these into clear go / adjust / no-go recommendations.
• Contribute to annual event calendar planning and delivery by providing inputs on market readiness, venue availability, feasibility outcomes, and revenue considerations, and remaining involved through execution to ensure events are delivered as planned.
• Engage with venue owners and operators to clarify and negotiate commercial terms, operating hours, access conditions, set-up requirements, and restrictions relevant to large-scale, high-traffic book sale events.
• Develop and manage revenue channels, including bulk buyers, schools, institutions, libraries, and special arrangements, ensuring these channels support inventory movement and event profitability.
• Maintain ownership of bulk and institutional buyer coordination, including managing a structured list of repeat and potential buyers, defining engagement processes, and coordinating pricing, approvals, and fulfilment with internal teams.
• Coordinate execution of bulk and institutional purchases during book sale events, acting as the primary point of contact for high-volume transactions to ensure smooth on-ground handling.
• Work across Marketing, Operations, Warehouse, and Finance teams to ensure initiatives are executable, aligned with event schedules, and supported by clear processes and responsibilities.
• Provide structured updates on expansion opportunities, venues, bulk buyer activity, and revenue initiatives to support planning and prioritisation.

What We’re Looking For

• 6+ years’ experience in business development, market expansion, or commercial partnerships
• Strong commercial judgement with the ability to negotiate workable outcomes
• Comfortable opening new markets and engaging with external stakeholders
• Background in events, retail, education, publishing, or consumer-facing businesses is an advantage
• Able to operate independently in lean, high-accountability environments

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From AED1.00 per month

Experience:

• Marketing: 7 years (Required)