Business Development Manager - Materials Innovation & Sustainability

About The Role

Are you eager to help bring cutting‑edge technologies in advanced materials and sustainability to market? We are seeking a Manager of Business Development – Materials Innovation & Sustainability to support the commercialization of innovations across advanced materials, clean energy, and sustainable technologies. These include next‑generation composites, energy storage, renewable systems, and water solutions such as desalination. Based in Abu Dhabi, this role will work closely with leadership, customers, research teams, and industry partners to help shape market opportunities, develop partnerships, and execute commercialization initiatives that position pioneering research for real‑world impact.

AMRC (Advanced Materials Research Center) focuses on applied research in metals and composites; nano, smart, self‑healing, energy‑absorbing materials; additive manufacturing; metamaterials; high‑temperature thermoplastics; and simulation. It hosts the region’s first Impact Lab, enabling real‑world testing such as ballistic, crash, and energy absorption performance.

RSERC (Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Center) concentrates on energy storage, renewable technologies, water solutions and sustainable systems aimed at transforming the energy and water landscape.

• Identify, analyze, and help cultivate partnerships across industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, industrial equipment, and infrastructure.
• Work closely with AMRC and RSERC research teams to understand technology capabilities and help align them with market and customer needs.
• Drive the progress of the sales pipeline from initial prospecting, lead qualification, scoping and proposal submission to negotiation and contracting stages.
• Manage the sales pipeline/opportunity tracker to facilitate consistent progress toward year‑end objectives.
• Develop and execute the annual Customer Outreach Plan, and pitch the associated technologies to clients.
• Drive attainment of the annual order intake quota.
• Participate in commercial negotiations, supporting deal structuring and closure with industrial, government, and international partners.
• Support the development and execution of go‑to‑market strategies for advanced materials and sustainable energy technologies.
• Contribute to business plans, market assessments, pricing approaches, and licensing or partnership models.
• Prepare commercial materials, value propositions, and presentations for partners, investors, and internal stakeholders.
• Represent the organization at selected industry events, exhibitions, and forums, in coordination with senior leadership.
• Track market trends and competitive landscapes in advanced materials, clean energy, and sustainability sectors.

• 6–10+ years of experience in business development, commercialization, partnerships, or related roles within industrial, advanced materials, chemicals, energy, or sustainability sectors.
• Demonstrated experience supporting go‑to‑market initiatives and contributing to complex commercial deals or long‑cycle sales processes.
• Ability to understand and communicate the value of technologies in advanced materials, renewable energy, energy storage, or water solutions (e.g., desalination), working closely with technical teams.
• Strong commercial acumen, with exposure to pricing strategies, licensing concepts, and partnership structures.
• Educational background in Mechanical, Materials, Chemical, Energy Systems, or related engineering disciplines; an MBA or equivalent is a plus.
• Clear and confident communicator, able to translate technical concepts into compelling business narratives.
• Familiarity with, or growing network in, the UAE/GCC industrial, energy, or sustainability ecosystem.
• Proactive, adaptable, and hands‑on, with an interest in moving technologies from lab‑scale innovation toward commercial deployment.

We provide a competitive, tax‑free salary and a comprehensive benefits package in a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment. Our benefits include an education allowance, free on‑site meals, annual flight allowance, health coverage, relocation support (if applicable), and access to well‑being activities such as sports and recreational events.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.