Business Development Manager, Wastewater

Role Purpose

Drive sustainable growth of AVK's wastewater segment across Saudi Arabia, with key focus on penstocks as the core product line, supported by the wider AVK wastewater portfolio (knife gate valves, check valves, air valves and associated products).

Act as the company's subject-matter lead for the wastewater market, engaging directly with end users, consultants and contractors to build a qualified growth pipeline, influence specifications, and secure end-user product approvals and project approvals — while providing technical support to consultants and the sales team throughout the project cycle.

Work hand-in-hand with the front sales teams to convert the pipeline into bookings and sales, taking ownership of the segment's order intake and revenue growth targets.

1. Strategic Project Development (Core Focus)

• Own and grow the wastewater segment across the Kingdom, with primary focus on penstocks and the supporting wastewater product range.
• Build and continuously update a qualified project pipeline in CRM, covering sewage treatment plants, pumping stations, sewage networks and industrial wastewater applications.
• Identify upcoming opportunities through end users (e.g., NWC and its clusters, SWPC programmes, Royal Commission (RC), municipalities and PIF development organizations), related design consultants and contractors.
• Ensure early positioning of AVK within project design and planning phases.

2. End User & Consultant Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with wastewater end users, operators and asset owners across the Kingdom.
• Engage consultants and design offices both for pipeline growth and as a source of technical/specification support, positioning AVK as the reference for wastewater solutions.
• Influence project specifications to secure AVK products as preferred or approved.
• Drive product approvals and prequalification with key end users, and maintain a structured approach to tracking approvals and specification wins.
• Conduct technical presentations, product demonstrations and training for end users, consultants and contractors.

3. Sales Team Collaboration & Pipeline Conversion

• Work closely with the front sales teams and Area Sales Managers to convert the segment pipeline into bookings and sales.
• Support the sales team with sizing, selection, technical submittals, quotations and commercial alignment for wastewater opportunities.
• Ensure clear ownership of opportunities and a disciplined handover process between business development and sales.
• Maintain visibility on pipeline progress and conversion status in CRM, and support structured reporting and business reviews.

4. Product & Market Knowledge

• Maintain strong working knowledge of the full basic AVK product assortment (gate valves, butterfly valves, check valves, air valves, fire protection products, couplings and fittings), in addition to specialist wastewater products, and promote the complete portfolio in every customer engagement.
• Monitor competitor activity, pricing and market developments within the wastewater segment, and provide structured market intelligence to management.
• Coordinate with AVK Group product companies and the Product Development department to secure optimal product selection and introduce relevant new products to the Saudi market.

5. Internal Coordination & Governance

• Ensure effective coordination between Sales, Technical Teams, Customer Service and Project Management for wastewater opportunities.
• Maintain CRM discipline and pipeline accuracy for the segment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of BD and sales processes, and support the segment's input to budgets and business plans.
• Undertake various ad hoc assignments for the Commercial Director.

Accountability & Authority

Scope of Responsibility

• Full ownership of the wastewater segment pipeline and its growth across the Kingdom.
• Responsible for segment bookings, sales and specification success in line with agreed targets.
• Direct impact on company revenue and strategic growth.

Freedom to Act and Decide

• Operates independently within commercial strategy and policies, with limited guidance from the Line Manager.
• Influences project approach, customer engagement and prioritization within the segment.
• Supports pricing and commercial positioning in coordination with management.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management with end users and consultants.
• Solid technical aptitude — able to advise on product selection and provide credible technical support.
• Strategic thinking with strong commercial awareness.
• Ability to influence technical and commercial decisions.
• High level of ownership and accountability.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• CRM and pipeline management discipline; proficiency in MS Office tools.
• Fluency in English; Arabic a strong advantage.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Commercial discipline; Mechanical/Civil Engineering preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years' experience in project sales / business development within the water, wastewater or infrastructure sectors.
• Technical Knowledge: Proven experience with penstocks, valves or comparable technical products for wastewater applications.
• Approvals Experience: Experience with the process of obtaining approvals through consultants, contractors and end users.

Operating Environment

• Highly dynamic, project-driven environment with long sales cycles.
• Heavy focus on external engagement with end users, consultants and contractors, requiring regular travel within the Kingdom.
• Requires close coordination across multiple internal and external parties.
• High expectations on visibility, discipline and delivery.
• Willingness to travel within Saudi Arabia.