Commercial & Partnerships Director - Culture & Design

Commercial & Partnerships Director - Culture & Design

We are working with an international organization at the forefront of cultural exchange and creative development across the Middle East. Known for delivering landmark platforms that celebrate design, craftsmanship, and heritage, the group is seeking a visionary Commercial & Partnerships Director to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its flagship initiatives.

This is not a traditional sales role. It is an opportunity to help grow cultural impact through strategic partnerships, engage with leading design houses, artisans, and heritage institutions, and ensure that events are both commercially successful and culturally meaningful.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partnership & Business Development
• Cultivate relationships with leading brands, cultural institutions, and design-driven businesses.
• Secure partnerships and exhibitors that align with the event's mission of blending contemporary design with heritage and cultural storytelling.
• Develop new revenue streams through sponsorships, collaborations, and creative alliances.
• Cultural Engagement & Strategic Growth
• Contribute to the long-term positioning of the fairs as platforms that champion design, craft, and heritage from the region and beyond.
• Support curation of thematic experiences and programming that highlight cultural narratives while engaging audiences in fresh, modern ways.
• Ensure commercial activities reinforce and elevate the cultural mission.
• Stakeholder & Community Relations
• Build trusted relationships with exhibitors, sponsors, and cultural leaders.
• Represent the organization at regional and international forums, strengthening its voice in the global cultural and design ecosystem.
• Act as a bridge between commercial partners and the creative community.
• Operations & Reporting
• Manage the full partnership cycle, from lead generation to deal negotiation and long-term relationship building.
• Collaborate across marketing, content, and operations to deliver seamless partner and exhibitor experiences.
• Track pipelines, performance metrics, and growth opportunities for leadership reporting.

Requirements:

• 6-10 years' experience in partnerships, sales, client management, or business development within cultural, heritage, design, or creative industries.
• A proven ability to balance commercial outcomes with cultural impact.
• Deep appreciation for design, craftsmanship, and heritage, with an understanding of global creative industries.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to inspire and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic, proactive, and entrepreneurial, with the ability to shape initiatives that leave a cultural legacy.