Director - Water

Role overview

We are looking for a commercially sharp Water business leader to expand and steer a strong-performing Water practice across South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. The position is centered on building a high-output sales organization, delivering excellent customer service, and driving commercial performance to meet regional revenue and new-business goals. You will also be responsible for the region’s profit and loss, with accountability for financial outcomes and alignment to broader strategic priorities.

The role also calls for deepening important client partnerships, raising customer satisfaction, and strengthening retention over the long term. A major part of the job is to move the team toward a more proactive sales culture through capability building, new client acquisition, and the launch of innovative programs and offerings.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of regional revenue goals and deliver results in line with the Annual Operating Plan.
• Build pipeline, identify high-value prospects, and convert opportunities into durable client relationships.
• Serve as the main regional contact for major clients, fostering trust and long-term partnerships.
• Use Net Promoter Score insights to spot service gaps and lead actions that improve client experience.
• Shape a stronger commercial culture by moving the organization toward proactive selling.
• Develop and roll out commercial activation plans for new services, programs, and innovations.
• Strengthen commercial capabilities across the region through structured upskilling initiatives, including a commercial academy concept.
• Support new client acquisition and help the team pursue emerging markets and industry opportunities.
• Work with product development and marketing teams to commercialize and activate new offerings regionally.
• Ensure new programs and services are aligned with customer needs and growth objectives.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related discipline; an MBA is preferred.
• At least 7 years of senior leadership experience, or 5 years in a General Manager role within the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry, with exposure to India and the Middle East.
• Strong understanding of water processes, certification, and regulation.
• Proven history of leading P&L performance and exceeding revenue targets in regional or global roles.
• Strong background in B2B client management, customer satisfaction, and long-term loyalty building.
• Experience leading sales teams and embedding a proactive, commercially focused approach.
• Familiarity with technical, regulatory, or TIC services and the markets they serve.
• Ability to create a culture of accountability, development, and growth.
• Solid business judgment with the ability to build and execute sales strategies aligned to business goals.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder influence skills, both internally and externally.
• Consistent record of delivering revenue and growth outcomes while maintaining client focus.
• Fluent English is required.

About the employer

With more than 80 years of heritage, NSF uses science and innovation to advance human and planetary health. The organization delivers independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services, and also helps shape the standards that support the food, water, and life sciences sectors worldwide. Its work helps clients manage changing regulations while improving consumer health, safety, and quality of life.

The company values unity while recognizing the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity of the communities in which it operates. It encourages applicants who want to contribute to meaningful work with global impact.

Equal opportunity statement

All qualified candidates are considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability.

Agency notice

Unsolicited resumes from agencies or search firms are not accepted for this position unless there is a valid written and signed agreement in place. If a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral, no fee will be paid, and the submitted resume will become the property of the company.

Location

Dubai, United Arab Emirates.