Business Development Manager (UAE)

Business Development Manager | Global Education | 8billionideas

Location: Remote (within UK, Europe, MENA, or APAC regions)

Contract Type: Full-time

About Us

At 8billionideas, we're on a mission to help governments and schools completely reimagine learning worldwide. We're a global education company delivering the Critical Curriculum a groundbreaking framework that equips students with the skills, mindset, and confidence to thrive in life, not just exams.

We partner with schools and education groups to enhance their existing curricula, delivering inspiring programmes that build future-ready learners.

Our culture is fast-moving, high-trust, and purpose-driven, blending the agility of a start-up with the rigour of a global education brand.

The Opportunity

As a Business Development Manager, you'll take full ownership of a defined region driving strategic partnerships with schools, education groups, and ministries.

You'll lead the full sales cycle: from prospecting and consultative discovery to proposal, negotiation, and close supported by a dedicated B2B marketing team providing lead generation, campaigns, and case studies.

This role offers genuine ownership and the chance to shape how 8billionideas grows within your market. Travel will be required to meet partners, visit schools, and attend key education events.

What You'll Do

• Own your region develop and execute a strategic growth plan to drive new partnerships.
• Build relationships with senior education leaders (Heads, Principals, Executives, Ministries).
• Manage the full sales cycle with precision and consultative skill.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, partnerships, and delivery teams.
• Share insights and help shape our go-to-market strategy.
• Represent 8billionideas at conferences and education summits.
• Maintain strong commercial discipline through accurate CRM management (HubSpot).

Who You Are

• Proven experience in business development or consultative sales (ideally in education or service-led sectors).
• Strategic thinker who understands commercial levers and growth frameworks.
• Relationship-driven, credible, and skilled in stakeholder engagement.
• Resilient, focused, and confident managing long sales cycles.
• Commercially astute with solid understanding of pricing and profitability.
• Entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent achievement of annual sales targets.
• Growth in regional partnerships with schools and education groups.
• Strong visibility and reputation in the education sector.
• Contribution to 8billionideas regional and global growth strategies.
• Opportunities to progress into regional leadership as we continue to scale.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a mission-driven company shaping the future of learning.
• High-autonomy, high-accountability culture with global reach.
• Work alongside inspiring peers in a performance-oriented environment.
• Access ongoing professional development and quarterly commercial coaching.
• Build a career where commercial success meets genuine social impact.