Sr Divisional Manager, Business Development – School Group, Dubai

Ralph Recruitment is representing a leading global school group looking for a highly motivated Senior Divisional Manager / Business Development Professional. This role is central to driving growth and investment strategy in target geographies across Asia and MENA, focusing on school acquisitions, market entry strategies, and partnerships. The successful candidate will lead deal origination, acquisition strategies, and post-acquisition integration, playing a pivotal role in expanding the group’s global footprint.

Key Responsibilities:

Functional Responsibilities:

• Deal Origination: Support the Growth & Investments department by originating potential school transactions in the region.
• Acquisition Identification: Identify and pursue school/school group acquisition opportunities in key geographies.
• Market Entry Strategy: Lead the Group’s new market entry strategy, ensuring thorough research and strategic alignment.
• Investment Underwriting: Assist in underwriting investment business plans and in the preparation of board presentations.
• Market Strategies: Develop and execute market entry strategies, financing/tax structures, and partnerships.
• Investment Opportunities: Build and evaluate a pipeline of investment opportunities in the region.
• Networking: Build and maintain a network of financial, real estate, and M&A advisors.
• Presentations & Pitches: Present findings and pitch investment opportunities to the Steering Committee.
• Due Diligence: Support financial and other due diligence for M&A prospects.
• Market Research: Research and track Asia market conditions and developments to identify opportunities.
• Coordination & Integration: Coordinate with internal teams throughout the acquisition process and ensure smooth deal closure, as well as collaboration with Integration teams post-acquisition.

Interaction Responsibilities:

• Real Estate Partners: Maintain and lead relationships with real estate brokerage firms and potential real estate partners, directing their engagement as needed.
• Seller Relationships: Establish and maintain strong relationships with prospective school/school group sellers, ensuring post-acquisition relations are well-managed.
• Advisory Management: Direct outside advisors and consultants, preparing scopes of work and negotiating fees.
• Target Company Relations: Build and maintain productive relationships with target companies and related networks.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Business Acumen: Quickly grasp the key drivers of the business and its challenges.
• Market Research: Skilled in both primary and secondary market research.
• Valuation & Due Diligence: Strong in valuation, due diligence, and accounting knowledge.
• Deal Structuring: Excellent deal structuring and financing skills, with the ability to arrange appropriate financing solutions.
• Communication: Deliver clear, polished presentations, analyses, and reports using PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Problem-Solving: Highly effective at solving complex problems independently.
• Integrity: Demonstrates the highest level of integrity in all dealings.
• Collaboration: A team player who leads and collaborates effectively across departments.
• Self-Motivation: Can manage multiple tasks and deliverables with minimal supervision.
• Project Management: Capable of independently owning projects and delivering results.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills, confident in dealing with executive management.
• Hands-On Approach: Willing to get involved in the implementation process and handle tasks directly.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• MBA from a leading business school, with a preference for a degree in Finance.

Experience:

• 15+ years of experience in real estate and deal origination, specifically within the MENA region.
• Financing Expertise: Experience working with financing and development partners is highly preferred.
• Consulting & Advisory Experience: Must have experience negotiating with consulting and advisory firms.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to manage expectations and relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Geographical Expertise: Experience working across multiple geographies, particularly in Asia and MENA regions.

Application Deadline: Open until filled
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their CV to Ralph Recruitment via the application portal.

This role offers a dynamic opportunity to be part of a global leader in the education sector, driving strategic acquisitions and market growth. Ideal candidates are entrepreneurial, collaborative, and possess a proven track record in M&A, real estate, and strategic development.