Introduction
The Economist Group is the leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs. We deliver our information through a range of formats, from newspapers and magazines to conferences and electronic services. What ties us together is the objectivity of our opinion, the originality of our insight and our advocacy of economic and political freedom around the world.

We are recruiting a Business Development Manager to work across our media business reporting to the Head of Middle East and Africa. The successful candidate will be based in Dubai and will be responsible for growing sales and sponsorship revenue from our media portfolio including newspaper and magazine print, online and digital advertising as well as content-led programmes on a wide variety of business related topics including surveys, research papers, videos and infographics. The candidate will be responsible for the sales process (prospect, qualify, proposal, negotiate and close) to clients and agencies in the Middle East and Africa.
Accountabilities
The ideal skills for the role are:
Grow sales and sponsorship revenue through media, content and integrated sales in your defined territories and sectors
Achieve and exceed the revenue target on a consistent basis
Produce accurate and regular sales forecasts for your territories and sectors
Manage the entire sales process (prospect, qualify, proposal, negotiate and close) and work effectively with other functions within The Economist Group including ad operations, editorial and finance
Build relationships with clients to maximise revenue opportunities and grow future business
Construct and send proposals, pricing and contracts
Conduct minimum of 20 face-to-face sales meetings/calls per month
Travel for sales meetings across the Middle East and Africa
Regularly update and maintain the sales CRM system
Performance measures
Exceeding revenue targets and achieving monthly activity goals (calls, meetings, leads) within assigned account book.
Evidence of expanding the client base, generating incremental revenue and developing repeat relationships.
High quality management and servicing of core customer base.
Strong knowledge of our capabilities, business strategy and economic principles.
Maintaining the high quality and professional image of The Economist Group in all communications and dealings with clients and prospects.
Experience, skills and professional attributes
It is also an advantage if you have:
Undergraduate Degree or equivalent work experience.
Experience with proven track record of selling strategic intelligence to senior executives within Corporations, Governments and Non-Profits.
Proven business development success in media and content sales.
Proven track record of managing and building relationships with new clients and the ability to retain current clients
Understanding of business and marketing trends, global affairs and economic principles.
Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint and Salesforce
Excellent English
Ability to be a strategic thinker, self motivated and goal-driven and be a consummate collaborator within a team framework.
Consultative sales experience highly desirable.