Since first going into action in 1909, the BESIX Group has over the years grown into a multidisciplinary company with a leading position in its markets: construction, property development and concessions. BESIX Contracting specializes in construction, infrastructure and marine works, often in contracts with a high level of complexity. In Benelux and France, the Group’s regional affiliates BESIX Infra, Belemco, Cobelba, Jacques Delens, Vanhout, Wust and Lux TP ensure a strong presence and a local approach. With Franki Foundations, West Construct, Socogetra, BESIX Environment and Van den Berg, the Group offers specialist niche solutions for the building market like deep foundations, geo-engineering, road construction, water treatment and cable and pipeline construction.

Backed by our experience in our home markets, we have built up strong positions outside Europe. A typical example is the Middle East, where over a 50 year period we have built up an impressive portfolio. This diversification in activities and geography pays off by reducing our risk exposure.

Job Overview

The Business Development Manager – O&M & Special Services will play a key role in driving the growth of the company’s Operations & Maintenance (O&M), Utilities, and Specialist Services business across the UAE.

This role requires a senior operational and commercially driven professional with strong knowledge of utility and industrial infrastructure, particularly within wastewater, sewerage, pumping, and stormwater systems. The successful candidate will leverage technical expertise, market knowledge, and industry relationships to identify opportunities, develop service offerings, and secure profitable contracts.

The role will focus on expanding the company’s presence across:

• Wastewater treatment plants
• Pumping stations
• Sewerage and drainage networks
• Stormwater assets
• Utility infrastructure
• Industrial water and wastewater facilities
• Emergency response and specialist field services

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development

• Develop and implement a practical UAE business growth strategy for O&M and Special Services.
• Identify short-, medium-, and long-term business opportunities across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates.
• Map and target key clients including municipalities, utilities, developers, EPC contractors, industrial operators, and PPP operators.
• Identify expiring contracts, outsourcing opportunities, operational gaps, and underperforming incumbents.
• Recommend priority sectors, market-entry strategies, and target accounts.

O&M Opportunity Development

Develop and expand opportunities related to:

• Wastewater treatment plant O&M
• Pumping station operations and maintenance
• Sewerage and drainage network maintenance
• Stormwater system O&M
• Mechanical and electrical maintenance services
• Reliability improvement programs
• Emergency response and standby maintenance services
• Utilize operational knowledge to identify service improvement opportunities and position the company as a reliable service provider.

Special Services Development

Support the development of specialist service lines including:

• Sewer bypass pumping / overpumping
• Temporary pumping stations
• Wet well and tank cleaning
• Industrial vacuum cleaning
• Sludge removal and handling
• Emergency flood response pumping
• Mobile maintenance teams
• Shutdown and turnaround support
• Temporary utility services

Support the preparation of:

• Business cases
• Pricing strategies
• Equipment and fleet requirements
• Staffing plans
• HSE requirements
• Revenue and margin forecasts
• Service launch plans

Client Relationships & Market Intelligence

• Build and maintain strong relationships with municipal and utility stakeholders.
• Gather market intelligence regarding upcoming tenders, operational issues, contractor performance gaps, and future projects.
• Represent the company as a technically credible and responsive business partner.
• Identify client pain points and proactively propose operational solutions.

Tendering & Commercial Support

• Lead opportunity development from identification stage through award.
• Support preparation of technical and commercial proposals.
• Coordinate with Operations, Procurement, Finance, and QHSE teams during bid preparation.
• Ensure proposals are commercially viable, executable, and aligned with operational capabilities.
• Participate in negotiations related to scope, pricing, and commercial terms.

Internal Business Development

• Recommend strategic investments including pumps, tankers, vacuum trucks, tooling, workshops, and manpower.
• Identify potential partnerships with specialist subcontractors and suppliers.
• Support mobilization activities for newly awarded contracts where required.
• Transfer operational lessons learned into future bids and service improvements.

Essential Requirements

• Strong operational experience within utilities, wastewater, sewerage networks, pumping stations, or industrial water systems.
• Proven experience managing field operations within the UAE.
• Strong understanding of municipal and utility infrastructure challenges.
• Existing network within the UAE utilities and infrastructure market is highly desirable.
• Strong commercial awareness and business development capabilities.
• Ability to identify operational challenges and convert them into commercial opportunities.

Skills & Competencies

• Technical and operational credibility
• Strong commercial awareness
• Relationship management and networking skills
• Negotiation and influencing skills
• Opportunity identification mindset
• Practical problem-solving approach
• Strong reporting and coordination skills
• Fluent in Arabic and English

A career at BESIX is a lot more than just a job, it's about being part of our changing and innovative world. Your skills, ambition and passion will contribute to the development of our different businesses and allow us to succeed in the challenges of the coming years. 

Working for the BESIX group allows you to be a part of a dynamic, creative and entrepreneurial company which is now recognized as a Belgian Top Employer. It gives you a safe and collaborative working environment with ambitious and innovative goals for the world of tomorrow, but also for your career and personal development. 
We are looking for different kinds of personalities, mindsets, backgrounds and genders to build the iconic and sustainable projects of tomorrow. 
 
Are you ready to make an impact and leave a positive legacy for years to come? If you are passionate about our purpose to Excel in creating sustainable solutions for a better world, come and join our caring BESIX family. Together we will co-create our future.
 
Working at BESIX brings a lot of great benefits including:  

• An attractive remuneration package including a salary in line with the market and a range of employee benefits such as flexible mobility advantages, extra-legal pension, medical care insurance, work-life balance program (such as teleworking, child care, flexible work schedule, mobile working), Health Management (sport, health check-up program, …) 
• Career development programs that serve not only to ensure that you are constantly learning and improving but also that give you the possibility to expand your career horizon 
• A dynamic, creative and safe working environment with innovative colleagues supporting your endeavors (ideas, projects, goals, ambitions) 
• Possibility to work on complex projects within both a local and international environment,
• The choice to remain locally anchored for the coming years or to seek an exciting international career opportunity within the group