Manager - Business Development

Apparel Group is hiring a Manager - Business Development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Level rates it ; you can apply on Level.

AI in this role

Manager of Business Development focusing on international franchise acquisition and strategic retail partnerships in the GCC region.

business-developmentfranchise-developmentstrategic-planningnegotiation

Objective:

This position is responsible for identifying strategic growth opportunities with a focus on International Franchise Development—sourcing and securing best-in-class global retail brands and transitioning them into successful operations within the Middle East. Key segments include Fashion & Accessories, Furniture & Interiors, Food & Beverage, Sports, and Health & Beauty.

Key Responsibility:

Lead the overall brand acquisition strategy in consultation with the Chairman to support the group's long-term vision.
Identify, evaluate, and secure high-potential global retail brands for expansion across the UAE and GCC region.
Develop and implement actionable business development plans to launch and scale international brands across diverse retail segments.
Build strong relationships with global brand principals, negotiate franchise agreements, and oversee deal closures.
Conduct thorough industry research, monitor global retail trends, and identify emerging brand opportunities.
Evaluate potential business deals by analyzing market strategies, commercial viability, and financial performance.
Propose suitable brand partnerships by aligning brand potential with Apparel Group’s strategic direction.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth integration and successful operationalization of acquired brands.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market dynamics, franchise models, and regional retail performance to inform business decisions.
Represent the company at industry events, maintain professional networks, and continuously seek opportunities to strengthen the group’s brand portfolio.
Take ownership of strategic projects and contribute to new initiatives that drive value and enhance organizational growth.

Desired Experience:

6-8 years of progressive experience in business development, international brand acquisition, or franchise development within the retail industry.
Strong track record in identifying and securing global brand partnerships across multiple sectors.
Experience in commercial negotiations, strategic planning, and stakeholder management.
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Business, or a related field is preferred.

How we rate this

Manager - Business Development at Apparel Group rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Open the description and count.

Key facts

Manager - Business Development is an open job at Apparel Group.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The job was posted on October 7, 2026.
Seniority: senior.
Applications are handled by Apparel Group. Apply on Apparel Group

Prepare for this job

A free preview built only from this posting: what it asks for, what you could be asked in an interview, and how to adjust your resume.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Business DevelopmentFranchise DevelopmentStrategic PlanningNegotiation

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where business development was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where franchise development was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where strategic planning was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where negotiation was part of your work. What did you do?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Business Development, Franchise Development, Strategic Planning, and Negotiation. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them — a tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

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