About the job

BD & Partnerships Manager – InnovationCompany: Sadeem — Growth HoldingsLocation: Abu Dhabi, UAEEmployment Type: Full-timeReports to: Head of Sadeem

About SadeemSadeem is Growth Holdings’ innovation hub, developing programmes and partnerships that help organisations build capabilities, support entrepreneurs, and turn ideas into viable businesses.Our work spans innovation programmes, incubation and venture building, advisory services, and commercialisation support.

About the RoleWe are looking for a BD & Partnerships Manager – Innovation to drive Sadeem’s revenue growth by securing paid programmes and advisory engagements with government entities, government-linked organisations, and corporate clients.You will own the full business development cycle, from identifying opportunities and understanding client needs to developing proposals, negotiating agreements, and securing renewals.You will also build strategic partnerships that strengthen Sadeem’s offerings, support programme delivery, and create commercial opportunities for participating entrepreneurs and businesses.

• Key Responsibilities1. Business Development & Client AcquisitionIdentify and pursue opportunities across innovation, entrepreneurship, capability development, and commercialisation services.
• Develop account plans for priority clients, identifying objectives, decision-makers, budget owners, and procurement processes.
• Lead discovery meetings to understand client needs, desired outcomes, budgets, and decision timelines.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders across government, corporate, and entrepreneurship organisations.
• Qualify opportunities based on Sadeem’s capabilities, commercial priorities, and likelihood of success.
• 2. Offer Development & ProposalsCollaborate with the Head of Sadeem and programme specialists to develop relevant, commercially viable offerings.
• Prepare proposals and presentations covering the approach, scope, outcomes, timelines, and commercial terms.
• Coordinate tender submissions, including technical, financial, and partner contributions.
• Work with delivery and finance teams to validate costs, resources, capacity, and profitability.
• Use client feedback and market insights to strengthen Sadeem’s offerings and commercial positioning.
• 3. Negotiation & Contract ClosureManage opportunities from initial engagement through negotiation and contract signature.
• Achieve agreed sales and margin targets.
• Negotiate scope, pricing, payment milestones, and commercial terms within approved authority.
• Coordinate vendor registration, procurement requirements, and contract reviews.
• Ensure client commitments are documented and approved before agreements are finalised.
• 4. Partnership DevelopmentBuild relationships with programme sponsors, universities, incubators, industry bodies, specialist delivery partners, and potential buyers.
• Develop partnerships that generate funding, referrals, specialist expertise, delivery capacity, or market access.
• Collaborate with programme teams to create opportunities for paid pilots, client introductions, and commercial partnerships.
• Establish clear partner contributions, responsibilities, and follow-up actions.
• Monitor partnership performance and strengthen relationships that deliver measurable value.
• 5. Account Growth & Pipeline ManagementMaintain client relationships and identify opportunities for renewals, extensions, and additional services.
• Coordinate structured handovers to programme teams following contract signature.
• Maintain an accurate CRM covering opportunity values, stages, decision processes, next actions, and expected closing dates.
• Provide realistic sales forecasts and regular pipeline updates to the Head of Sadeem.
• Analyse wins and losses to improve targeting, proposals, and conversion.
• Support finance and delivery teams in resolving commercial issues and following up on payment milestones.

• Experience & QualificationsTypically 5–8 years of experience in business development, consultative sales, or commercial partnerships.
• Proven track record of personally securing B2B or government contracts, including proposal development, negotiation, and closure.
• Relevant experience in an accelerator, innovation consultancy, venture builder, entrepreneurship organisation, or professional services business.
• Experience working with UAE government or government-linked clients; Abu Dhabi market experience is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of innovation, incubation, entrepreneurship, and capability development programmes.
• Bachelor’s degree in business or a relevant discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Professional proficiency in Arabic and English is preferred.
• Experience in media, cultural, or creative industries is an advantage.

• Skills & AttributesStrong commercial judgement and ability to translate client needs into practical solutions.
• Excellent relationship-building, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop persuasive proposals and communicate confidently with senior stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of pricing, project costs, margins, and payment terms.
• Strong organisational skills, follow-through, and CRM discipline.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with specialists and delivery teams.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with clear ownership of commercial results.