Role summary
The Manager – Distribution at Qiddiya Investment Company will play a critical role in developing, managing, and optimizing Qiddiya's multi-channel distribution ecosystem. Responsible for driving operational and commercial performance of all B2B and B2C booking channels, including OTAs, GDS platforms, travel trade networks, corporate travel channels, and direct booking platforms, ensuring Qiddiya's tourism products are accessible, competitively positioned, and commercially successful.
Responsibilities
- Lead development and execution of Qiddiya's B2B and B2C distribution strategy across OTA platforms, GDS systems, travel trade channels, corporate travel partners, and direct booking channels
- Define and manage channel prioritization strategies to ensure optimal inventory allocation, rate parity, product visibility, and revenue performance across distribution touchpoints
- Develop and oversee channel mix strategies balancing direct and indirect distribution channels to optimize profitability, market reach, and customer acquisition
- Manage Qiddiya's OTA portfolio, including onboarding new platforms, negotiating commercial agreements, and optimizing content quality
- Oversee GDS connectivity and ensure Qiddiya's tourism inventory is accurately represented and bookable across key global distribution systems
- Collaborate with Revenue Management, Finance, and Marketing teams to implement pricing strategies, promotional campaigns, and yield optimization initiatives
- Monitor booking trends, demand patterns, conversion metrics, cancellation trends, and competitor activity to recommend pricing and distribution adjustments
- Develop and maintain distribution performance dashboards and reporting frameworks tracking revenue contribution, booking pace, channel conversion, and commercial KPIs
- Lead onboarding and management of travel agencies, tour operators, DMCs, MICE operators, and trade distribution partners
- Oversee enhancement and management of trade distribution platforms and partner portals with inventory access and booking tools
- Coordinate partner training programs, trade familiarization trips, and channel engagement initiatives to strengthen destination awareness
- Own and manage distribution technology ecosystem, including Channel Management Systems, Central Reservation Systems, and booking platforms
- Collaborate with Technology teams to improve platform integrations, distribution capabilities, and booking experiences across digital channels
- Prepare and present regular distribution performance reports, channel reviews, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to leadership
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance distribution processes, channel performance, and operational efficiencies
- Manage, mentor, and develop team members within the Distribution function for high performance and professional growth
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Tourism, Hospitality Management, Marketing, or related field; Master's degree or MBA preferred
- At least 6+ years of relevant experience in distribution, revenue management, channel management, or commercial operations in tourism, hospitality, travel technology, or destination management
- Proven experience managing OTA platforms, GDS connectivity, trade distribution channels, and booking ecosystems at destination or hospitality level
- Strong understanding of channel management systems, central reservation systems, revenue optimization practices, and dynamic pricing strategies
- Demonstrated experience developing and managing trade distribution relationships with travel agencies, tour operators, DMCs, and corporate travel partners
- Strong analytical and commercial acumen with ability to interpret performance metrics and drive revenue growth initiatives
- Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills across multiple functions
- Demonstrated leadership capability with experience managing teams and cross-functional initiatives
- Proficiency in distribution systems, CRM platforms, reporting tools, and data analytics platforms including Excel and Power BI
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic language skills considered an advantage
- Knowledge of GCC and Saudi Arabia tourism, hospitality, and destination distribution landscape strongly preferred
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities
Education
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Tourism, Hospitality Management, Marketing, or related field; Master's degree or MBA preferred
Experience
At least 6+ years of relevant experience in distribution, revenue management, channel management, or commercial operations within tourism, hospitality, travel technology, or destination management sectors
Skills
- OTA platform management
- GDS connectivity
- Trade distribution channel management
- Channel Management Systems and Central Reservation Systems
- Revenue optimization and dynamic pricing
- Booking ecosystem management
- Performance metrics interpretation and analysis
- Stakeholder management and negotiation
- Team leadership and cross-functional collaboration
- Distribution systems proficiency
- CRM platforms and reporting tools
- Excel and Power BI data analytics
- English communication
- Arabic language skills
Education · Experience · Type
Bachelor'sRequires 6+ yearsSalary not stated