BALAKRISHNA KALKURA
Dubai
Summary
Sales and Business Development Manager with extensive experience in power generation and industrial sectors, generating over USD 50 million in sales. Established a strong market presence in UAE and India, achieving a 30–40% conversion rate from cold prospecting. Expertise in managing key accounts and enhancing commercial efficiency through strategic stakeholder engagement.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales & Marketing Manager
HEI
Dubai
05.2022 - Current
- Generated over USD 50 million in direct sales by developing new business opportunities from a zero-customer base.
- Successfully established and expanded the company's presence across the UAE and India.
- Developed and managed a portfolio of 25+ major customer accounts within the power generation industry.
- Achieved a 30–40% conversion rate from cold prospecting to confirmed purchase orders.
- Drove business development and sales operations across UAE and Indian markets, delivering engineered solutions to power generation sector while coordinating with company's headquarters in China.
- Built direct relationships with end users, reducing dependence on EPC contractors and improving commercial margins.
- Reduced sales cycle time by approximately 20% through effective coordination with engineering, manufacturing, and clients.
- Improved payment collection efficiency by approximately 25% through proactive commercial management.
- Identify new business opportunities and establish relationships with key decision-makers.
- Coordinate technical discussions between customers and the engineering team in China.
- Manage the complete sales lifecycle, including lead generation, RFQs, technical proposals, quotations, negotiations, contract award, and order execution.
- Monitored market trends and competitor activities, identifying growth opportunities to inform strategic sales initiatives.
Gas Power Plant In-Charge
HEI
11.2020 - 04.2022
- Managed the operation and maintenance of a gas-fired power plant, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance while maintaining compliance with operational and safety standards.
- Supervised daily plant operations, ensuring continuous power generation and reliability.
- Monitored plant performance and implemented corrective actions, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.
- Coordinated preventive and corrective maintenance activities, maximizing equipment availability and minimizing downtime.
- Coordinated with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams during shutdowns and maintenance activities.
- Ensured compliance with HSE policies, operational procedures, and statutory regulations.
- Prepared operational reports, maintenance records, and performance documentation.
- Maintained high standards of plant safety, reliability, and operational excellence.
Lead / Senior Pipeline Operations Operator
Dubai Petroleum
08.2017 - 10.2020
- Led incident command for onshore leaks and spills, implementing emergency isolation procedures to mitigate risks.
- Executed multiple pipeline inspections using ILI pigging techniques to ensure system integrity.
- Drafted procedures for pipeline commissioning and decommissioning to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Operated, monitored, inspected, and maintained onshore oil and gas pipeline systems that supported production facilities.
- Coordinated with local utilities, government bodies, and contractors to ensure compliance and safety across pipeline right-of-way.
Project Manager / Pipeline Inspection Engineer
TD Williamson India Ltd.
01.2008 - 12.2016
- Managed pipeline inspection and integrity assessment projects for leading oil and gas companies, ensuring successful project delivery within scope, budget, and schedule.
- Managed project schedules and budgets, coordinated site logistics, and ensured regulatory compliance to meet project objectives.
- Oversaw site activities, monitored subcontractor performance, and coordinated equipment deployment to maintain operational effectiveness.
Research & Development Executive
Manipal Technologies.
01.2006 - 12.2008
- Identified innovative product development opportunities and machine advancements to enhance competitive edge.
- Led new product development, in-house automation, and evaluation of emerging technologies to align with strategic goals.
- Conducted feasibility studies and performed trials to support decision-making for product viability.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) - Mechanical Engineering
01-2006
Skills
- Sales Operations Management
- Strategic Sales & Marketing
- Business Development
- Market expansion
- Key Account Management
- Technical sales
- Tendering & RFQ Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Commercial & Proposal Management
- Customer Relationship Management
- Power Generation Industry
- Oil & Gas Industry
- Vendor & Subcontractor Management
- Revenue Management
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
Certification
- PMP Training
- BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction & Emergency Training)
- HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training)
- H₂S Safety Certification
- Advanced Fire Fighting
- Authorized Gas Tester
Timeline
Sales & Marketing Manager
HEI
05.2022 - Current
Gas Power Plant In-Charge
HEI
11.2020 - 04.2022
Lead / Senior Pipeline Operations Operator
Dubai Petroleum
08.2017 - 10.2020
Project Manager / Pipeline Inspection Engineer
TD Williamson India Ltd.
01.2008 - 12.2016
Research & Development Executive
Manipal Technologies.
01.2006 - 12.2008