Manager - Distribution

Position Overview

The Manager - Distribution at Qiddiya Investment Company is a pivotal role tasked with the oversight and enhancement of Qiddiya's multifaceted distribution network. This includes managing both B2B and B2C booking channels such as OTAs, Global Distribution Systems (GDS), travel trade avenues, corporate travel platforms, and direct booking channels. The objective is to maximize accessibility, competitive positioning, and commercial success of Qiddiya's tourism and destination offerings across all markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute a distribution strategy encompassing OTA platforms, GDS, travel trade channels, corporate partnerships, and direct bookings to meet commercial goals.
• Prioritize distribution channels to guarantee optimal inventory distribution, rate consistency, product visibility, and revenue generation.
• Develop balanced channel mixes between direct and indirect pathways to optimize profitability and customer reach.
• Administer OTA relationships by onboarding new platforms, negotiating commercial terms, enhancing content quality, and boosting product conversion rates.
• Ensure GDS connectivity accuracy to facilitate bookings across corporate and agency markets globally.
• Coordinate with Revenue Management, Finance, and Marketing to deploy pricing, promotions, and yield optimization strategies.
• Analyze booking data, market trends, cancellation patterns, and competitor movements to inform distribution and pricing adjustments.
• Create and maintain dashboards monitoring revenue, bookings, conversion, cost of sales, and key commercial indicators.
• Lead the onboarding and management of various travel trade partners such as agencies, tour operators, DMCs, and MICE operators to expand Qiddiya's distribution reach.
• Optimize trade platforms and partner portals supplying inventory, booking tools, commission tracking, and marketing support.
• Organize partner training, familiarization trips, and engagement initiatives to enhance destination awareness and partner effectiveness.
• Manage the distribution technology infrastructure including Channel Management Systems, Central Reservation Systems, OTA integration, and booking tools to ensure smooth operations.
• Work closely with Technology teams to refine system integrations and improve the digital booking experience.
• Present regular performance reports, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Drive ongoing improvements to distribution workflows, channel productivity, operational efficiencies, and commercial results.
• Lead and mentor the Distribution team, fostering high performance and career development.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Tourism, Hospitality Management, Marketing or related disciplines; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum six years' experience in distribution, revenue management, or commercial operations within tourism, hospitality, travel technology, or destination management.
• Proven expertise in managing OTA platforms, GDS connectivity, and travel trade ecosystems in relevant organizations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of channel management systems, central reservation systems, revenue optimization, and dynamic pricing methodologies.
• Strong track record managing relationships with travel agencies, tour operators, DMCs, and corporate partners.
• Analytical skillset for interpreting performance indicators to optimize channels and increase revenue.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative abilities.
• Leadership experience with team management and cross-functional project coordination.
• Proficiency in distribution technologies, CRM software, data analysis tools such as Excel and Power BI.
• Fluent English communication skills; Arabic proficiency advantageous.
• Familiarity with GCC and Saudi Arabia tourism and hospitality distribution landscapes highly desirable.
• Capability to thrive in fast-moving, dynamic business environments with competing priorities.

Compensation and Benefits

A competitive and comprehensive salary and benefits package will be provided to the successful candidate.