SME Business Development Manager

About the Role

An established insurance organisation is seeking a Business Development Manager – SME to drive new business growth across the small and medium-sized enterprise segment in Abu Dhabi.

The role will focus on developing new client relationships, identifying commercial insurance opportunities and converting prospects into profitable, long-term accounts. The successful candidate must have practical experience within the Abu Dhabi insurance market, together with a strong understanding of SME clients and commercial insurance products.

Responsibilities

Business Development & Client Acquisition

• Identify and develop new SME business opportunities across the Abu Dhabi market.
• Build a consistent pipeline through direct prospecting, referrals, networking and market engagement.
• Achieve agreed new business, revenue and portfolio growth targets.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with SME business owners and key decision-makers.
• Understand client operations, risk profiles and insurance requirements to support appropriate solutions.
• Maintain regular client engagement to strengthen relationships and identify additional opportunities.

Insurance Solutions

• Work with underwriting and technical teams to develop suitable commercial insurance solutions.
• Support the preparation of quotations, proposals, presentations and placement documentation.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of relevant SME insurance products and market offerings.

Pipeline & Sales Management

• Maintain accurate records of prospects, opportunities and client activity within the CRM system.
• Manage opportunities through the full sales cycle from initial engagement to conversion.
• Provide accurate pipeline forecasts and regular updates on business development activity.

Market Development

• Develop and maintain a strong network within the Abu Dhabi SME business community.
• Monitor competitor activity, market developments and emerging client opportunities.
• Identify new sectors, referral channels and strategic relationships capable of generating sustainable business.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all business is conducted in accordance with internal policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support completion of client onboarding, KYC, AML and required documentation.
• Maintain appropriate standards of professional conduct, confidentiality and record keeping.

Requirements

• 2–3 years' experience in insurance business development, sales or account management.
• Must have demonstrable Abu Dhabi insurance market experience.
• Experience working with SME and commercial insurance clients.
• Good understanding of commercial insurance products and the UAE insurance market.
• Proven ability to generate leads, develop relationships and convert new business opportunities.
• Existing relationships within the Abu Dhabi SME market would be advantageous.
• Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Commercially minded with a proactive and target-driven approach.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with underwriting and technical teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional insurance qualifications such as CII or equivalent would be advantageous.
• UAE insurance market experience is required.

Key Competencies

Business Development | SME Insurance | Abu Dhabi Market Knowledge | New Client Acquisition | Relationship Management | Commercial Insurance | Consultative Selling | Pipeline Management | Negotiation & Closing | Account Development | Revenue Growth | CRM Management