Head International Business (UAE/GCC & Exports)

Next Step HR is hiring a Head – International Business to lead the company's UAE/GCC market entry and drive the expansion of its international export business across key global markets including the USA, Japan and Africa.

The role will be responsible for taking the UAE business from market validation and entity setup through to commercial operations, while simultaneously building a scalable international revenue engine across GCC and export markets.

This is a high-ownership role suited to a commercially driven professional with strong experience in international business development, exports and market expansion, ideally within chemicals, plastics, specialty materials or industrial products.

Location: UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) post entity setup; India-based during the pre-launch phase with frequent UAE travel

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the UAE/GCC market-entry strategy, taking the business from validation and entity setup to live commercial operations.
• Drive the identification, engagement and closure of anchor customers, distributors and strategic suppliers across the UAE and GCC.
• Develop and execute the UAE commercial model across trading, compounding and warehousing operations.
• Build and manage relationships with key industrial, construction, wire & cable and other relevant B2B buyers across the GCC.
• Lead the company's broader export growth strategy across markets including the USA, Japan, Africa and other identified territories.
• Develop market-attractiveness assessments and prioritised product-country strategies in partnership with the Chief Growth & Strategy Officer.
• Identify new markets, products, channel partners and commercial opportunities to drive international revenue growth.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure regulatory, certification, compliance and market-entry requirements are met.
• Coordinate with the India-based Export team and other functional stakeholders to ensure seamless execution across markets.
• Represent the organisation with UAE free-zone authorities, government/investment bodies, distributors, customers and strategic partners.
• Own the international business P&L and track performance against agreed revenue, profitability and market-expansion targets.
• Build and eventually lead a small 2–4 member in-market team as UAE operations scale.
• Provide regular reporting to senior management on pipeline, revenue, market development, customer acquisition and key milestones.

Key Deliverables / KPIs

• Successful establishment and operationalisation of the UAE entity.
• Acquisition and value of anchor customers and strategic suppliers in the UAE/GCC.
• UAE and international export revenue against agreed business targets.
• Development and execution of the UAE trading, compounding and warehousing model.
• Expansion into identified international markets and development of new revenue streams.
• Achievement of regulatory, certification and market-entry milestones within agreed timelines.
• Growth of international business profitability and overall contribution to the organisation.

Who we're looking for:

• 8–12 years of experience in international business development, export management, international sales or market expansion.
• Strong exposure to GCC/UAE markets, preferably with experience in establishing or scaling a business in the region.
• Experience in chemicals, plastics, specialty materials, industrial products, polymers or allied B2B sectors will be preferred.
• Strong understanding of UAE free-zone structures and business environments, particularly JAFZA, KEZAD, DMCC or similar zones.
• Exposure to UAE government/investment facilitation bodies and market-entry processes will be an advantage.
• Existing relationships with wire & cable, construction, industrial or other large B2B buyers in the GCC will be highly valuable.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify opportunities, negotiate partnerships and convert pipelines into revenue.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently in a high-ownership, entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong understanding of international trade, exports, distributors, pricing, logistics and commercial operations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Business, International Business or a related discipline.
• MBA / postgraduate qualification in Business, International Business or a related field will be preferred.