Business Development Manager

Job Title: Business Development Manager

Location: Dubai, UAE
Employment Type: Full-time
Experience: Minimum 3 years

About The Waste Lab

The Waste Lab is a pioneering, women-led, UAE-based startup committed to revolutionizing food waste management through localized, nature-based, and data-driven solutions. Our mission is to transform food waste into high-quality compost, actively contributing to soil regeneration, local food production, and broader circular economy goals, all in alignment with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 vision. We are a dynamic and growing team passionate about making a tangible environmental impact.

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and driven Business Development Manager to join our growing team in Dubai. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in sustainability, excellent communication skills in English and preferably another language (Arabic and/or Hindi), and a proven ability to manage client relationships, lead proposals, and coordinate operations across projects and service delivery.

This role requires someone who is proactive, organized, and able to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment. Experience in the hospitality sector or sustainability-focused industries is a strong advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in client meetings including introduction meetings, conduct site visits, surveying and needs assessments, and manage client onboarding processes.
• Develop customized client proposals, including cost estimations and scope for pilot projects and long-term services.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with clients across sectors, particularly corporate, hospitality and F\&B.
• Manage contract renewals, ensuring timely follow-up, negotiation, and continuity of service agreements with existing clients.
• Support operational planning and process implementation, ensuring timely and efficient service delivery.
• Oversee and guide team members, ensuring tasks are carried out according to internal protocols and quality standards.
• Monitor progress and prepare detailed reports, data dashboards, and performance metrics.
• Conduct training sessions for clients and staff on food waste segregation, composting protocols, and safety standards.
• Coordinate procurement tasks related to projects, materials, or equipment as needed.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Operations, Education, R\&D) to support company-wide goals and business growth.
• Manage and maintain a structured sales pipeline, tracking leads, conversion rates, and deal stages across sectors.
• Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities within the existing client base, growing revenue through additional services and products.
• Represent The Waste Lab at industry events, networking forums, and sustainability conferences to build brand visibility and generate new leads.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a business development, sales, or client-facing role.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in hospitality, or environmental/sustainability sectors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Another language (Arabic and/or Hindi) is a plus.
• Located in Dubai, with strong knowledge of the local market and customer landscape.
• Passion for sustainability, circular economy, and social impact.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Comfortable with CRM systems, project management tools, and Microsoft/Google Suite.
• A valid UAE driving licence and access to a car is a plus, given the nature of client visits and site assessments.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets in a previous role.
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to close deals and navigate contract discussions confidently.
• An existing UAE network within hospitality, corporate, or F\&B sectors is a strong advantage.

Salary \& Benefits

• Health insurance and visa support.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible working environment with a mission-driven, collaborative team.
• Opportunities for learning, growth, and impact in one of the UAE’s leading circular economy startups.

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience in hospitality, or environmental/sustainability sectors?
• Do you have a valid UAE Driver's license and access to a car?

Experience:

• business development, sales, or client-facing role. : 3 years (Required)

Location:

• Dubai (Required)

Work Location: In person