Business Development Manager Resume Example for Jobs in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

Business Development Manager Job Market in Jeddah

Jeddah stands as Saudi Arabia's commercial capital and the economic gateway to the Western Province, making it one of the most dynamic cities in the Kingdom for business development professionals. As the country's principal port city on the Red Sea coast, Jeddah handles over 65% of Saudi Arabia's non-oil imports and serves as the entry point for millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually. This unique combination of commercial significance and religious tourism creates a diversified economy that demands skilled business development managers across multiple sectors.

The business development landscape in Jeddah has been transformed by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's ambitious economic diversification program. Mega-projects along the Red Sea coast, including the NEOM city project, the Red Sea Global luxury tourism development, and the Jeddah Central regeneration project, have created unprecedented opportunities for BDMs who can identify partnerships, secure contracts, and drive revenue growth in emerging sectors. The Saudi government's push to attract foreign direct investment and develop the private sector has resulted in a surge of new business ventures requiring experienced commercial leaders.

Key growth areas for business development managers in Jeddah include tourism and hospitality (driven by the Kingdom's target of 150 million annual visits by 2030), logistics and supply chain (anchored by Jeddah Islamic Port and the new King Abdulaziz International Airport expansion), technology and digital transformation (as Saudi companies modernize operations), healthcare (with massive hospital construction programs), and professional services (as international firms establish Western Province offices). The Saudization policy, known as Nitaqat, has also created demand for BDMs who understand how to build compliant commercial teams while maintaining growth targets.

Unlike Riyadh, which is dominated by government-linked entities and large corporations, Jeddah's business culture is characterized by a strong tradition of family-owned conglomerates and merchant families who have traded for centuries. This entrepreneurial heritage means BDMs in Jeddah often work with owner-operated businesses where relationship building and trust are paramount to closing deals. Understanding this distinction is critical for any business development professional targeting the Jeddah market.

Why Jeddah for Business Development Careers

Jeddah offers compelling advantages for business development managers considering a career in the GCC region. The most immediate financial benefit is Saudi Arabia's zero personal income tax policy. A BDM earning SAR 20,000-32,000 monthly takes home the entire amount, which represents significantly more disposable income than equivalent roles in London, Singapore, or New York where effective tax rates of 25-40% apply.

Beyond tax savings, Jeddah provides a unique lifestyle proposition. The city is known as the most cosmopolitan and socially progressive city in Saudi Arabia, with a vibrant arts scene, world-class restaurants along the Corniche waterfront, and a more relaxed social atmosphere compared to Riyadh. The Red Sea coastline offers diving, sailing, and beach activities, while the proximity to Mecca and Medina holds deep significance for Muslim professionals. International schools including the British International School of Jeddah and the American International School serve expatriate families well.

Career-wise, Jeddah provides access to the entire Western Province market, which includes Mecca, Medina, Taif, and the emerging Red Sea tourism corridor. BDMs based in Jeddah often cover this entire territory, gaining exposure to diverse market segments from religious tourism to luxury hospitality to industrial manufacturing. This breadth of experience is highly valued by employers across the GCC and makes Jeddah-based BDMs attractive candidates for regional leadership roles.

The city's business networking ecosystem is robust. The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce is one of the most active in the Kingdom, hosting regular business forums, trade exhibitions, and sector-specific networking events. International trade shows at the Jeddah Superdome and the Jeddah Convention Center bring together buyers and sellers from across the Middle East and Africa. The Jeddah Economic Forum attracts global business leaders annually, providing premium networking opportunities for ambitious BDMs.

Top Employers Hiring Business Development Managers in Jeddah

Jeddah's employment landscape for business development professionals spans mega-project developers, established conglomerates, and emerging companies, each offering distinct career trajectories and compensation structures.

Red Sea Global — formerly The Red Sea Development Company, this PIF-backed entity is developing one of the world's most ambitious luxury tourism destinations along Saudi Arabia's western coast. BDMs at Red Sea Global work on partnership development with international hotel brands, luxury retail operators, and experience providers. The scale of the project (spanning 28,000 square kilometers with 50 planned hotels) means deal values are substantial, and the company offers premium compensation packages to attract top commercial talent.

Savola Group — headquartered in Jeddah, Savola is one of the largest food and retail conglomerates in the MENA region, with brands including Panda Retail (now part of BinDawood Holding), Al Marai partnerships, and Afia International. Business development managers at Savola work on brand partnerships, distribution agreements, market expansion strategies, and new product launches across multiple GCC countries. The company's diversified portfolio offers BDMs exposure to FMCG, retail, and food service sectors simultaneously.

Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) — this Jeddah-based diversified family conglomerate operates across automotive (the official Toyota distributor in Saudi Arabia), financial services, energy, and real estate. BDMs at ALJ work on strategic partnerships, new market entry, and diversification initiatives as the company expands beyond its automotive roots into renewable energy, healthcare, and technology. The ALJ brand carries enormous prestige in Saudi Arabia, and positions here are highly competitive.

Saudia Airlines (Saudi Arabian Airlines) — headquartered in Jeddah near King Abdulaziz International Airport, Saudia is undergoing a massive transformation as part of Vision 2030's aviation strategy. BDMs work on corporate sales, travel partnerships, loyalty program development, cargo business expansion, and route development. The airline's ambitious growth plans include doubling its fleet and launching new premium services, creating significant commercial opportunities.

Saudi Binladin Group — one of the largest construction and development companies in the Middle East, headquartered in Jeddah. BDMs at Binladin Group work on project bidding, client relationship management for government and private sector contracts, joint venture negotiations, and subcontractor partnerships. The company's involvement in infrastructure mega-projects across the Kingdom provides exposure to high-value deal-making at scale.

Beyond these anchor employers, Jeddah hosts regional offices of international consultancies (McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte), technology companies (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft), and a growing ecosystem of Saudi startups and scale-ups concentrated in areas like the King Abdullah Economic City north of Jeddah.

City-Specific Resume Tips for Jeddah

Crafting a business development manager resume for Jeddah's market requires understanding Saudi business culture and employer expectations. Here are essential strategies to make your resume stand out.

Include a professional photograph. Saudi employers universally expect a professional headshot on your CV. Use a high-quality photo with business attire and a neutral background. This is standard practice across the GCC and your resume may be screened out without one.

State your visa and iqama status clearly. Specify whether you hold a valid Saudi iqama (residency permit), are currently based in Jeddah, or are willing to relocate. If you have transferable iqama status, mention this explicitly as it significantly reduces hiring timelines and costs for employers. Premium visa statuses like Saudi Premium Residency should be highlighted prominently.

Quantify revenue achievements in SAR or USD. Saudi employers value concrete commercial results. Include specific figures: annual revenue targets achieved (e.g., SAR 15 million pipeline managed), deal sizes closed, number of new accounts acquired, market share growth percentages, and partnership values secured. Use SAR figures for Saudi experience and USD for international experience to demonstrate your commercial impact clearly.

Highlight Saudi market experience. If you have experience working with Saudi clients, understanding government procurement (Etimad platform), navigating family business decision-making structures, or selling into sectors aligned with Vision 2030 priorities, feature this prominently. Knowledge of Saudi regulations, licensing requirements, and the Saudization framework (Nitaqat categories) demonstrates your readiness for the market.

Emphasize relationship-based selling skills. Jeddah's business culture is deeply relationship-oriented. Highlight your ability to build long-term partnerships, manage key accounts over multi-year engagement cycles, and navigate consensus-driven decision-making processes. Mention experience with formal entertaining, business dinners, and relationship cultivation that goes beyond transactional selling.

List Arabic proficiency explicitly. If you speak Arabic at any level, state your proficiency clearly (native, fluent, conversational, basic). Arabic-speaking BDMs command significant salary premiums in Jeddah and have access to a wider range of opportunities, particularly in government-related and family business sectors. Even basic Arabic demonstrates cultural commitment.

Keep your CV to two pages maximum. While some GCC markets accept longer documents, Saudi Arabia's private sector has moved toward concise, achievement-focused CVs. Focus on your most recent 7-10 years of relevant experience and lead with your strongest commercial achievements.

Salary Expectations in Jeddah

Business development manager salaries in Jeddah vary based on sector, company size, experience level, and language capabilities. As of 2026, here are typical monthly salary ranges in SAR.

Junior BDM / Business Development Executive (0-3 years): SAR 8,000-14,000 per month. Entry-level positions focused on lead generation, proposal support, and account management under senior supervision. Companies like Savola and mid-sized trading companies offer these roles with clear progression paths.

Mid-Level Business Development Manager (3-7 years): SAR 16,000-25,000 per month. The core demand bracket in Jeddah, covering professionals managing their own portfolio of accounts, driving new business independently, and contributing to commercial strategy. Commission structures at this level typically add 20-40% to base salary for strong performers.

Senior BDM / Head of Business Development (7-12 years): SAR 25,000-32,000 per month. Senior roles at companies like Red Sea Global, Abdul Latif Jameel, or Saudi Binladin Group, involving strategic account management, team leadership, and P&L responsibility for a business line or territory.

Director of Business Development (12+ years): SAR 35,000-55,000+ per month. C-suite adjacent roles with full commercial responsibility, board-level reporting, and strategic partnership authority. These positions are typically found at large conglomerates, mega-project developers, or multinational regional headquarters.

Beyond base salary, Jeddah BDM packages typically include housing allowances (SAR 3,000-8,000 monthly or company-provided accommodation), annual return flights for employee and family, comprehensive health insurance, annual performance bonuses (1-3 months salary), car allowance or company vehicle, and end-of-service gratuity as mandated by Saudi labor law (half month salary per year for the first five years, one full month per year thereafter).

Arabic-speaking BDMs with Saudi market experience command premiums of SAR 3,000-6,000 monthly over non-Arabic speaking candidates in equivalent roles, reflecting the significant commercial advantage that language capability provides in relationship-driven sales environments.

Work Culture in Jeddah

Understanding Jeddah's business culture is essential for business development managers, as the city's commercial traditions directly impact how deals are won and partnerships are built.

Working hours and schedule — the Saudi work week runs Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. Standard business hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though many private sector companies operate extended hours. During Ramadan, working hours are legally reduced by two hours daily, and business activity shifts to evening hours. BDMs should expect that significant business discussions and client entertaining often occur over dinner, particularly during Ramadan when iftar gatherings are prime networking opportunities.

Relationship-first business culture — Jeddah's merchant heritage means business is built on personal relationships and trust. Cold outreach is less effective than in Western markets. Successful BDMs invest time in building genuine personal connections before discussing business opportunities. Introductions through mutual contacts carry enormous weight. Expect longer sales cycles but potentially larger deal values once trust is established. Multiple meetings over coffee and meals before a deal progresses are normal and expected.

Communication and meetings — punctuality expectations are more relaxed than in European or East Asian business cultures, though multinational companies maintain stricter schedules. Meetings often begin with extended personal conversation before business topics are addressed. Decision-making can involve multiple stakeholders across family or organizational hierarchies, requiring patience and the ability to manage complex stakeholder maps. English is widely used in business, but Arabic is valued in relationship-building contexts.

Dress code — business formal attire is standard for BDM roles in Jeddah. For men, suits or smart business wear are expected for client meetings. Saudi male colleagues typically wear traditional white thobe and ghutra. For women, modest professional attire is appropriate; the abaya requirement has been relaxed for non-Saudi women in many professional settings, though conservative dress is still expected.

Visa and Work Permit Guide for Jeddah

Working legally as a business development manager in Jeddah requires proper visa sponsorship and residency documentation. Saudi Arabia's immigration framework has been modernized under Vision 2030 to attract skilled professionals.

Standard employment visa (iqama) — your employer sponsors your work visa, which involves obtaining a block visa allocation from the Ministry of Human Resources, followed by issuance of a work visa at the Saudi Embassy in your home country, entry to the Kingdom, medical examination (including blood tests and chest X-ray), fingerprinting, and issuance of your iqama (residency card). The process takes 4-8 weeks from job offer to iqama issuance. Your iqama is tied to your sponsoring employer under the updated labor mobility rules.

Premium Residency (Saudi Green Card) — launched in 2019, this program offers permanent or one-year renewable residency for qualified professionals and investors. Premium Residency holders can work for any employer, own property, and sponsor family visas independently. The program is selective and involves a financial investment or demonstrated professional value, but provides maximum flexibility for senior BDMs who want long-term Saudi Arabia careers without employer-tied sponsorship.

Labor mobility reforms — Saudi Arabia has introduced significant sponsorship reforms allowing employees to transfer between employers more easily, particularly for employees in Nitaqat-compliant companies. BDMs should verify their prospective employer's Nitaqat status (green or platinum categories indicate compliant companies with better employee mobility rights).

Saudization considerations — as a BDM, be aware that your employer must maintain Nitaqat compliance with Saudi national hiring quotas. Sales and business development roles are among those targeted for Saudization, meaning companies may pair expatriate BDMs with Saudi national colleagues for knowledge transfer. Understanding and supporting Saudization goals strengthens your value proposition to employers.

Document requirements — ensure your educational certificates are attested through your home country's foreign ministry and the Saudi Embassy before departure. Professional certifications, reference letters, and a police clearance certificate from your home country are also typically required. All documents may need Arabic translation by a certified translator.

Jeddah-Tailored Business Development Manager Resume Section

Professional Summary

Results-driven Business Development Manager with 8+ years of experience driving revenue growth across the Saudi Arabian market, specializing in strategic partnerships, enterprise sales, and market expansion initiatives aligned with Vision 2030 priorities. Currently based in Jeddah with a valid Saudi iqama and transferable residency status. Proven track record of managing SAR 40+ million annual pipelines, closing multi-million riyal partnerships with government entities and private sector conglomerates, and building high-performing commercial teams that consistently exceed revenue targets by 25-35%. Fluent in English and Arabic with deep understanding of Saudi business culture, family conglomerate decision-making dynamics, and Nitaqat compliance requirements.

Work Experience

Senior Business Development Manager — Red Sea Global (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

January 2023 - Present

• Lead commercial partnership development for the luxury tourism destination project, securing 12 international brand partnerships valued at SAR 180+ million in aggregate commitment across hospitality, retail, and experiential offerings along the Red Sea coast
• Developed and executed the go-to-market strategy for the commercial leasing program, achieving 78% pre-commitment rate for Phase 1 retail and F&B spaces across 3 resort communities, exceeding target by 23 percentage points
• Built and manage a team of 6 business development executives covering hospitality partnerships, retail leasing, and strategic alliances, implementing a structured pipeline methodology that improved forecast accuracy from 45% to 82%
• Established partnerships with 4 Michelin-starred restaurant groups for destination dining concepts, negotiating revenue-sharing frameworks and brand exclusivity agreements that attracted SAR 95 million in operator investment commitments
• Represent Red Sea Global at international tourism investment conferences including IHIF Berlin, AHIC Dubai, and Arabian Travel Market, generating 40+ qualified leads per event and converting 8 into signed agreements

Business Development Manager — Savola Group (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

March 2019 - December 2022

• Managed the FMCG distribution partnership portfolio across the Western Province, growing annual partnership revenue from SAR 28 million to SAR 47 million over 3.5 years through new brand acquisitions and existing partner expansion strategies
• Led the commercial launch of 3 new food brands into the Saudi market, coordinating cross-functional teams across supply chain, marketing, and retail operations to achieve SAR 12 million first-year revenue against a SAR 8 million target
• Negotiated distribution agreements with 14 international food manufacturers seeking Saudi market entry, structuring exclusive territory rights, minimum order commitments, and co-marketing investment terms that protected group margins above 22%
• Developed the key account strategy for hypermarket and supermarket chains including Panda, Danube, and Tamimi, securing premium shelf positioning and promotional calendar commitments that drove 34% volume growth for priority brands
• Mentored 4 Saudi national business development executives as part of the group's Saudization development program, with 2 promoted to independent account management roles within 18 months

Jeddah-Specific Cover Letter Guidance

When applying for BDM roles in Jeddah, your cover letter should demonstrate genuine understanding of the Saudi market rather than generic GCC experience. Open by referencing the specific company's strategic priorities and how your experience aligns with their Vision 2030-related growth plans. Mention your familiarity with Jeddah's unique business ecosystem, including the city's merchant family traditions, the Red Sea development corridor, and the Western Province's commercial significance as Saudi Arabia's trade gateway.

Address the cultural dimension directly. Explain your experience building relationships in Arab business culture, your approach to consultative selling in environments where trust precedes transactions, and your ability to navigate multi-stakeholder decision-making processes common in Saudi family conglomerates. If you speak Arabic, lead with this capability. If you have experience with Saudi government procurement through the Etimad platform or Monafasat system, highlight this as a differentiator.

Close with a clear statement of your availability, residency status, and willingness to engage in the recruitment process. Saudi employers appreciate directness about logistics. If you are already Jeddah-based, emphasize your local market knowledge and existing professional network. If relocating, demonstrate you have researched housing (Al Hamra, Al Rawdah, or Obhur districts for expatriates), schools, and the practicalities of the move, showing commitment rather than casual interest.