Senior Manager - Distribution

Overview

Responsibilities

• Lead the 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 to support overall commercial objectives.
• Define and manage channel prioritization strategies to ensure optimal inventory allocation, rate parity, product visibility, and revenue performance across all distribution touchpoints.
• Develop and oversee channel mix strategies that balance 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, optimizing content quality, and improving product visibility and conversion performance.
• Oversee GDS connectivity and ensure Qiddiya s tourism inventory is accurately represented and bookable across key global distribution systems for corporate and agency markets.
• Collaborate with Revenue Management, Finance, and Marketing teams to implement pricing strategies, promotional campaigns, and yield optimization initiatives across all channels.
• Monitor booking trends, demand patterns, conversion metrics, cancellation trends, and competitor activity to recommend real-time pricing and distribution adjustments.
• Develop and maintain distribution performance dashboards and reporting frameworks tracking revenue contribution, booking pace, channel conversion, cost of sale, and commercial KPIs.
• Lead the onboarding and management of travel agencies, tour operators, DMCs, MICE operators, and other trade distribution partners to strengthen Qiddiya s global distribution footprint.
• Oversee the enhancement and management of trade distribution platforms and partner portals, ensuring partners have access to inventory, booking tools, commission tracking, and marketing materials.
• Coordinate partner training programs, trade familiarization (FAM) trips, and channel engagement initiatives to strengthen destination awareness and partner performance.
• Own and manage the distribution technology ecosystem, including Channel Management Systems (CMS), Central Reservation Systems (CRS), OTA connectivity tools, and booking platforms, ensuring operational efficiency and system optimization.
• 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 senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance distribution processes, channel performance, operational efficiencies, and commercial outcomes.
• Manage, mentor, and develop team members within the Distribution function to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Bachelor s degree in Business Administration, Tourism, Hospitality Management, Marketing, or a related field; Master s degree or MBA preferred.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in distribution, revenue management, channel management, or commercial operations within tourism, hospitality, travel technology, or destination management sectors.
• Proven experience managing OTA platforms, GDS connectivity, trade distribution channels, and booking ecosystems at a destination, hospitality, or tourism organization level.
• Strong understanding of channel management systems, central reservation systems, revenue optimization practices, and dynamic pricing strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing trade distribution relationships with travel agencies, tour operators, DMCs, and corporate travel partners.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen with the ability to interpret performance metrics, optimize channel performance, and drive revenue growth initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate 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 are considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of GCC and Saudi Arabia tourism, hospitality, and destination distribution landscape is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities.