Business Development Manager

Who we are

Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight.

Across our three businesses - The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision-makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world.

As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised. Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact.

Who we are

We are an organisation that exists to drive progress. That's the “red thread” that connects everyone at The Economist Group (TEG). Our businesses share a devotion to innovation, independence and rigour in their fields of expertise. We empower people to understand and tackle the critical challenges and changes facing the world. Our analytical rigour, global expertise and evidence-based insights enable individuals and organisations to make sense of these shifts and chart a course through them.

We deliver analysis and insights in many formats to subscribers and clients in 170 countries through our four businesses, The Economist, Economist Impact, Economist Intelligence and Economist Education, which uphold our global reputation for excellence and integrity.

As the research and analysis division of the Economist Group, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) helps leaders prepare for opportunity, empowering them to act with confidence when making strategic decisions. The EIU is the global standard in providing quality, actionable intelligence to the public and private sector, assessing issues that impact the marketplace for over two hundred countries.

The Economist Intelligence Corporate Network (EICN) is the executive briefing and networking service of The EIU. Participating in our members-only C-suite group helps international firms understand the political, economic and business environments of the markets where they operate, and particularly what impact changes in this macro environment will have on business.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Business Development Manager to drive growth across the non-government and non-financial services sectors in the gulf region. This is a high impact, commercial role, combining:

EIU’s flagship research, data and economic intelligence solutions

Economist Corporate Network (EICN) in the UAE, including C-Suite memberships, briefings and executive engagement opportunities.

The role requires a strategic seller who can map, penetrate, and expand within large organisations and conglomerates, engaging multiple stakeholders and unlocking enterprise-wide opportunities.

You will:

Own the full sales cycle, from strategic account mapping and prospecting through to close

Develop deep understanding of large organisations across non-government and non-financial sectors, including ownership structures and subsidiaries

Build multi-threaded relationships across different departments

Sell both data-led subscriptions (EIU) and executive C-suite membership (EICN)

Success in this role depends on your ability to:

Map complex organisations and identify decision making structures

Translate geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts into commercial value

Navigate longer, consultative sales cycles with senior stakeholders

What you’ll bring

Strong experience in B2B sales (SaaS, DaaP, Information Services, or Consulting), with a demonstrable passion for geopolitics and economics

Deep contextual knowledge of the Middle East market, including its economic and geopolitical drivers

A certain level of refinement and sophistication when communicating

Ability to build and maintain trusted partner relationships at the highest level (C-suite/executive)

Proven ability to prospect, build pipeline, and close new business

Exceptional ability to distill complex data into “the so what?” for a client

Commercial comfort with data-led propositions, including analytics workflows and APIs (deep technical expertise not required)

Strong Salesforce hygiene and forecasting discipline

Arabic Language is a plus

Based in UAE, with regional travel as required

#LI-Hybrid

Working Arrangements

The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required.

AI usage for your application

We are an innovative organisation that encourages the use of technology. We recognise that candidates may utilise AI tools to support with their job application process. However, it is essential that all information you provide truthfully and accurately reflects your own experience, skills, and qualifications.

What we offer

Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home.

You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.