Sales Development Manager

About the Role

Uplift People Consulting is seeking a Sales Development Manager for an international quantum computing client. This full-time role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and focuses on developing new business opportunities across the Kingdom. The manager will engage with major Saudi enterprises, government entities, and PIF portfolio companies to convert initial interest in advanced technology into qualified meetings and proof-of-concept (POC) opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Research target accounts and identify decision-makers within digital, AI, innovation, strategy, and R&D teams.
• Proactively develop new business opportunities through targeted outreach, partner introductions, and industry events.
• Generate and lead discovery meetings to understand customer challenges and assess potential business value from quantum computing.
• Qualify opportunities based on business needs, technical relevance, stakeholder engagement, timelines, and budget potential.
• Collaborate with business development leads and technical teams to shape use cases, scope PoCs, and develop proposals.
• Support opportunities throughout the commercial cycle, from initial engagement and qualification through negotiation and contract signing.
• Build relationships with cloud providers, consulting firms, technology integrators, and local innovation networks.
• Prepare clear presentations, proposals, and business cases, translating complex technical concepts into accessible business language.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, track opportunity progress, and share insights on customer priorities and market readiness.
• Coordinate a smooth handover to account management and delivery teams upon agreement signing.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Saudi nationality is required.
• Typically 5-10 years of relevant experience in business development, technology sales, commercial development, or consulting. Candidates with a relevant master’s degree may be considered with 3–4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working in Saudi Arabia with a strong understanding of its business and technology ecosystem.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate ambiguous customer challenges into practical recommendations and commercial opportunities.
• A proactive approach to identifying opportunities, initiating conversations, and following through on next steps.
• Ability to learn complex technologies and explain their business relevance. Prior quantum computing experience is not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English, including the ability to create persuasive presentations and proposals.
• Confidence in engaging senior business leaders and technical stakeholders, and collaborating across commercial and technical teams.
• A hands-on approach, strong ownership, and the ability to manage multiple opportunities concurrently.

Preferred Attributes

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or another technical discipline.
• Experience in technology-focused consulting, commercial strategy, or business development within a consulting firm.
• Exposure to AI, cloud, quantum computing, deep tech, or industrial innovation.
• An existing network within PIF portfolio companies, semi-government organizations, or large Saudi enterprises.
• Experience developing enterprise PoCs, pilots, workshops, or business cases for complex technology solutions.
• Familiarity with Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s innovation priorities.
• Exposure to sectors such as energy, telecom, financial services, logistics, smart cities, aviation, mining, or manufacturing.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, working with an international quantum computing company. The role involves engaging with diverse stakeholders across various sectors within the Kingdom.