Strategic Business Development Manager

Would you like to be part of the most international company in the world? A company operating in more than 220 countries worldwide and has been pioneering cross-border express shipping since 1969. Would you like to be part of a business that connects people across the globe and want to make a difference? Then waste no time and join our amazing team at DHL Group. DHL Global Forwarding, Freight (DGFF) is the Group's air, ocean, and road freight specialist. We offer standardized transport as well as highly specialized end-to-end solutions to customers in a wide range of industries globally.

The Strategic Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing commercial opportunities with government-linked large enterprises in Abu Dhabi and their supply chains, with a strong focus on Oil & Gas and adjacent industries. The role focuses on building and leveraging strong relationships with key stakeholders, managing the full business development lifecycle from early opportunity identification and customer engagement through to the creation of winning tenders, proposals, and contract negotiations. The objective is to drive sustainable revenue growth across all DHL divisions while maintaining profitability in line with company expectations.

DHL Global Forwarding has an opening for an Strategic Business Development Manager in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Join us in connecting people and improving lives!

In this Strategic Business Development Manager position

• Lead the strategic penetration of government-linked large enterprises in Abu Dhabi and their broader ecosystems
• Develop long-term access and influence strategies aligned with Abu Dhabi market dynamics (trust, reputation, continuity, discretion)
• Position DHL as a strategic logistics partner across all divisions, not merely a vendor or subcontractor
• Build and maintain senior, trusted relationships with commercial, procurement, strategy, and business development stakeholders
• Engage with government-linked entities, joint ventures, and investment arms across Oil & Gas and adjacent sectors
• Act as a bridge between customer organizations and DHL leadership to convert relationships into commercial outcomes
• Identify early-stage and pre-project opportunities including frameworks, alliances, LTAs, and strategic collaborations
• Shape commercial models and engagement strategies ahead of formal tendering processes
• Coordinate internally across DHL divisions to ensure a unified customer approach
• Leverage EPC contractor relationships and partner ecosystems to enhance market positioning
• Provide strategic guidance to leadership on Abu Dhabi market dynamics and stakeholder expectations
• Maintain structured reporting on pipeline, relationship health, and commercial progress

Stakeholders:

• Influence and engage senior leaders within government-linked large enterprises and ecosystem partnersBuild strong internal relationships across DHL divisions to enable integrated solutions
• Coordinate with external stakeholders including EPCs, partners, and service providers
• Operate effectively at C-suite, SVP, and director level
• Demonstrate credibility, discretion, and long-term value creation

Now, here is what we need from you!

• Strategic business development and account management
• Stakeholder management and influencing at senior levels
• Commercial acumen and contract negotiation
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Market intelligence and strategic positioning
• Project management and execution discipline
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 15+ years of industry experience in logistics, supply chain, or related sectors
• 10+ years of experience in the Abu Dhabi logistics market
• Proven track record in securing strategic contracts with government-linked enterprises or similar organizations
• Strong understanding of project lifecycles, contract models (EPC, EPCM, LSTK, frameworks)
• Experience navigating complex stakeholder and multi-entity environments

We offer:

• Opportunities in a global company where you can contribute your ideas and skills to move towards our shared goals.
• Possible further career development
• Competitive salary

Why join DHL Global Forwarding?

We are part of Deutsche Post DHL, the world’s leading logistics provider with operations in over 220 countries. Visit our career site on the web at https://www.logistics.dhl/us-en/home/careers.html

Our TOP EMPLOYER prestigious certification attests to our best-in-class efforts to attract and retain talent by fostering a positive work environment and encouraging personal and professional development among employees. The development of talented women in our organization will be a focus for us and an important part of our DGF Strategy 2025.

We aspire to become the undisputed leader in our industry, when people think of forwarding; we want them to think DGF because we have:

• The largest global network with more than ~30,000 passionate employees
• The most efficient processes and fastest response times
• The best solutions and best customer service

Our Vision: The Logistics Company for the World.

Our Mission: Excellence. Simply Delivered.
Our Purpose: Connecting People, improving lives.
Our Values: Respect & Results
Our Goals: Employer, Provider, and Investment of Choice, Living Responsibility

DHL Global Forwarding is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.