Business Development Executive

Job Purpose: The Business Development Executive is responsible for driving revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities, managing client relationships, and supporting the execution of commercial strategies. The role is responsible for understanding the client needs, developing tailored proposals, presenting advertising and partnership solutions, and ensuring high-quality service delivery across multiple platforms, including Print, Digital, and Events. Duties & Responsibilities: • Prospecting new customers and inactive customers, sending the initial email and setting up introductory discovery meetings to garner synergies between the clients and Forbes Middle East. • Formulating and delivering presentations to new and existing customers, driving product sales and maximizing existing spend opportunities. • Researching and identifying new networking opportunities to find potential clients and expanding FME’s collaboration opportunities. • Obtaining and analyzing client insights (products, needs, advertising history, business practices), tailoring effective proposals and solutions. • Informing clients of available product options (with focus on premium positions), demonstrating how advertising enhances visibility and ROI. • Providing and negotiating cost estimates, aligning with client budgets to offer potential mutually beneficial solutions. • Recommending and designing campaign deliverables based on client’s objectives across multiple media platforms (Print, Digital, Events), optimizing campaign impact. • Coordinating with the Client Relations Team to ensure delivery is met, maintaining client satisfaction and retention. • Consulting with internal stakeholders and agencies to design promotional plans, media kits, and agreements, enhancing client offering. • Attending sales meetings, trade shows, and training seminars, expanding networks and staying updated on industry trends. • Maintaining competitor and market intelligence, informing business strategy. • Supporting realistic quarterly forecasts, enhancing revenue planning.Preparing and sharing weekly pipeline reports, tracking progress and ensuring visibility. • Supporting business development managers / line managers in preparing sales plans, forecasts, and market research reports. • Assisting in negotiations with high-profile clients and agencies, contributing to deal closure. • Preparing proposals, contracts, and presentation materials for client meetings. • Tracking and analyzing performance data (sales pipeline, client engagement, revenue trends), providing insights for decision-making. • Acting as the primary contact for assigned client accounts, ensuring seamless service delivery and timely follow-ups. • Identifying upselling and cross-selling opportunities across Print, Digital, and Events.Job Specifications: Education & Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Communications, or related field. • Additional training or certification in sales, client management, or business development is an advantage. Experience: • 3–5 years of proven experience in business development, media sales, or account management. • Demonstrated ability to achieve and exceed revenue targets in media, publishing, events, or related industries. • Experience in preparing proposals, contracts, and client presentations. • Exposure to negotiating with senior-level clients and agencies. • Familiarity with sales planning, forecasting, and pipeline reporting. Knowledge & Skills: • Strong client relationship management and customer service skills. • Excellent presentation, persuasion, and negotiation abilities. • Solid organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple accounts and deadlines. • Analytical mindset, capable of interpreting market data and sales performance reports. • Proficiency in CRM systems, MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and sales reporting tools. • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams (Editorial, Marketing, Events,