Manager - Partnerships

Role Overview

The Manager - Partnerships at Qiddiya Investment Company is pivotal in expanding and nurturing the commercial partnership network for Qiddiya DMO. This individual is responsible for securing and managing key strategic partnerships spanning travel trade, tourism authorities, corporate entities, airlines, hospitality brands, and co-marketing destinations to boost Qiddiya's brand presence, commercial success, and market penetration.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Steer the creation and implementation of partnership strategies across multiple sectors such as travel trade, airlines, hospitality, corporates, and tourism boards, aligning with destination goals.
• Design and oversee structured partnership programs with tiered models, commercial terms, and joint marketing activities to foster partner participation and commercial benefits.
• Proactively identify and secure new partnership ventures nationally and internationally through business development and strategic relationship building.
• Lead the entire partnership process including proposal creation, commercial deal making, contract finalization, and campaign activation.
• Maintain a dynamic partnership pipeline leveraging CRM tools to monitor prospect status, deal progression, partner performance, and revenue impacts.
• Nurture and manage Tier 1 and Tier 2 partner relationships to ensure mutual commercial targets, marketing execution, booking objectives, and collaborative opportunities are met.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Events teams to roll out joint campaigns, co-branded events, destination showcases, and industry trade engagements that enhance visibility and bookings.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of Familiarization (FAM) trips, partner training, and trade education programs to boost partner advocacy and destination expertise.
• Represent Qiddiya at global travel trade fairs, tourism conferences, and industry gatherings to expand market footprint and partner alliances.
• Analyze partnership metrics including commercial ROI and pipeline development; deliver regular insights and strategic recommendations to senior management.
• Drive ongoing improvements in partnership management processes, governance standards, and commercial activation strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Partnerships team to achieve high performance and encourage professional growth.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor's degree is required in Business Administration, Marketing, Tourism, Hospitality, or related fields; an MBA or advanced qualification is preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years' experience in commercial partnerships, travel trade sales, business development, or destination marketing within tourism, hospitality, or entertainment sectors.
• Proven track record in identifying, negotiating, and managing strategic alliances with travel agents, tour operators, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), airlines, hospitality chains, or tourism bodies.
• Strong commercial insight with the ability to develop partnership business cases, negotiate agreements, and monitor financial and marketing outcomes.
• Experience managing partner engagement activities, trade promotions, Familiarization trips, and co-marketing programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities to influence and collaborate across all organizational tiers.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience in managing teams and working cross-functionally.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms and partnership pipeline management tools.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package.