Manager - Distribution

Role Overview

The Manager - Distribution at Qiddiya Investment Company will be instrumental in shaping, overseeing, and enhancing the multi-channel distribution framework for Qiddiya Destination Management Organization (DMO). This position is charged with maximizing the operational and commercial success of various B2B and B2C booking avenues including Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), Global Distribution Systems (GDS), travel trade networks, corporate travel channels, and direct booking portals to ensure wide and competitive exposure of Qiddiya's tourism offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement strategies for B2B and B2C distribution across OTA platforms, GDS, travel trade, corporate channels, and direct bookings aligning with commercial goals.
• Establish and manage prioritization of channels to maximize inventory distribution, ensure parity in pricing, enhance visibility, and improve revenue outcomes.
• Create balanced channel mix approaches that optimize profit margins, broaden market penetration, and drive customer acquisition across direct and indirect channels.
• Supervise the OTA portfolio management including onboarding new platforms, negotiating terms, improving content, and elevating product visibility and conversion rates.
• Manage GDS connectivity ensuring accurate and bookable listings of Qiddiya's tourism inventory for corporate and agency markets worldwide.
• Collaborate with departments like Revenue Management, Finance, and Marketing to execute effective pricing tactics, promotions, and yield enhancements.
• Track booking trends, demand analytics, conversion rates, cancellation statistics, and competitive activity to advise adjustments in pricing and distribution.
• Develop comprehensive reporting frameworks and dashboards to monitor revenue, booking speed, conversion ratios, cost of sales, and other key performance indicators.
• Lead onboarding and partnership management of travel agencies, tour operators, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), MICE operators, and other trade partners to expand Qiddiya's global reach.
• Enhance trade distribution platforms and partner tools providing access to inventory, booking systems, commission tracking, and marketing collateral.
• Organize training initiatives, familiarization trips, and engagement activities to boost destination knowledge and partner effectiveness.
• Manage the distribution technology environment including Channel Management Systems, Central Reservation Systems, OTA linkages, and booking tools to improve operational workflow and system performance.
• Work closely with Technology teams to upgrade platform integration and digital channel booking experiences.
• Prepare and deliver regular performance reports, channel analysis, forecasts, and strategic counsel to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders.
• Promote ongoing process improvements to enhance channel performance, operational productivity, and commercial results.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Distribution team to foster high productivity and professional development.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Tourism, Hospitality Management, Marketing, or related disciplines; master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Six or more years of experience in distribution, revenue management, channel leadership, or commercial roles within tourism, hospitality, travel technology, or destination management.
• Proven track record managing OTA platforms, GDS connectivity, and trade channels in a destination or hospitality environment.
• Deep understanding of channel management systems, central reservation systems, revenue strategies, and dynamic pricing methods.
• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with travel agencies, tour operators, DMCs, and corporate travel entities.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data, optimize channel effectiveness, and drive commercial growth.
• Outstanding negotiation, stakeholder engagement, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Leadership experience with capability to manage teams and lead complex projects.
• Proficiency with distribution system software, CRM tools, reporting mechanisms, including Excel and Power BI.
• Fluency in English, with Arabic language skills viewed favorably.
• Familiarity with the tourism and distribution landscape in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region is highly preferred.
• Ability to thrive in a high-velocity environment managing multiple priorities.

Compensation and Benefits

A well-rounded remuneration and benefits package will be provided to the successful candidate.