Director, Sales & Business Relations

We are looking for a Director, Sales & Business Relations to lead client acquisition, business development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships, while promoting AIFC products and opportunities locally and internationally. The successful candidate will drive the growth of the AIFC ecosystem through investor attraction, market development, relationship management, and high-impact engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the department's business development, sales, partnership, and market development strategy.
• Identify growth opportunities, target client segments, and priority markets aligned with AIFC's strategic objectives.
• Lead the identification, engagement, and conversion of prospective investors, financial institutions, corporate clients, and other organizations interested in establishing or expanding their presence within the AIFC ecosystem.
• Oversee lead generation, qualification, pipeline management, and the successful transition of prospects into the onboarding process.
• Drive cross-selling of AIFC products and services and identify opportunities for ecosystem growth.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the AIFC business community, government entities, industry associations, investors, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders.
• Represent AIFC at local and international forums, conferences, seminars, roundtables, roadshows, and business events.
• Lead the organization and delivery of AIFC Connect sessions and other engagement initiatives to strengthen AIFC's visibility and market presence.
• Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with intermediary organizations, consultants, legal firms, ASPs, and other professional service providers to support client attraction and business development.
• Oversee regional business development and investor engagement activities through the Almaty Office.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior management on client acquisition, ecosystem development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead, develop, and manage the department, including planning, budgeting, performance monitoring, and resource allocation.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Marketing, International Relations, or a related field; Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in business development, sales, investment promotion, client relationship management, partnership development, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing teams and delivering commercial growth.
• Proven track record of attracting clients, investors, and strategic partners.
• Strong network within financial services, investment, professional services, government, or business communities.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, presentation, and communication skills.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Russian and Kazakh is an advantage.

Success Measures:

• Growth in the number and quality of AIFC participants and investors.
• Achievement of business development, client acquisition, and partnership targets.
• Number and impact of strategic partnerships established.
• Conversion of qualified leads into registered participants.
• Increased visibility and promotion of AIFC opportunities in priority markets.
• High stakeholder satisfaction and engagement outcomes.