Director - Distribution

The Director - Distribution is responsible for defining, leading, and optimizing Qiddiya DMO's distribution strategy across all domestic and international sales channels. The role oversees the commercial performance of Qiddiya's distribution ecosystem, including OTAs, GDS platforms, travel trade partners, corporate travel, DMCs, wholesalers, direct booking channels, and emerging digital distribution platforms.The incumbent will drive channel expansion, revenue growth, distribution partnerships, market penetration, and technology enablement while ensuring that Qiddiya's tourism products are effectively distributed, competitively positioned, and commercially optimized across all source markets.The Director will lead a team of distribution professionals and work closely with Revenue Management, Marketing, Technology, Destination Operations, Finance, and external partners to maximize demand generation and conversion.Requirements Distribution Strategy & Commercial LeadershipDevelop and execute Qiddiya's long-term distribution strategy aligned with destination visitation, revenue, and growth objectivesDefine channel architecture, market coverage strategy, and distribution priorities across domestic and international marketsEstablish distribution frameworks that maximize reach, demand generation, profitability, and customer acquisitionIdentify new distribution opportunities, partnerships, and technologies to support business growthDrive commercial performance across all distribution channels, ensuring revenue targets are achieved Global Distribution & Channel Development Lead the expansion and management of Qiddiya's global distribution networkOversee relationships with OTA partners, GDS providers, travel agencies, tour operators, online travel marketplaces, wholesalers, and corporate travel providersEstablish strategic agreements with key distribution partners to increase market penetrationDevelop market-specific distribution strategies for priority international source marketsEnsure optimal positioning of Qiddiya products across all booking and sales channels Trade & Industry Partnerships Develop strategic partnerships with travel trade organizations, DMCs, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality partners, wholesalers, and travel technology providersLead commercial negotiations for major distribution agreements and partnership contractsEstablish annual joint business plans with strategic partnersDrive partner engagement initiatives including trade activations, roadshows, educational programs, and industry eventsRepresent Qiddiya at key travel trade and industry forums Revenue Optimization & Commercial PerformanceOwn overall distribution revenue performance across all channelsCollaborate closely with Revenue Management to optimize pricing, inventory allocation, and channel mixMonitor performance trends, booking pace, market demand, and channel productivityEstablish KPIs covering revenue, conversion, acquisition costs, channel contribution, profitability, and market shareDrive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance distribution efficiency and commercial returns Digital Distribution & Technology EnablementDefine the strategic roadmap for distribution technology platforms and capabilitiesOversee Channel Management Systems (CMS), Central Reservation Systems (CRS), booking platforms, and GDS integrationsDrive digital transformation initiatives that improve distribution effectiveness and partner connectivityEvaluate emerging technologies and recommend investments to enhance commercial performanceEnsure scalability of distribution systems to support destination growth Governance, Performance Reporting & InsightsEstablish governance frameworks, policies, and distribution standardsDevelop executive dashboards and performance reporting frameworksProvide regular updates to senior leadership regarding distribution performance, risks, opportunities, and market developmentsUtilize market intelligence and competitive analysis to inform strategic decision-makingEnsure compliance with commercial, contractual, and regulatory requirements Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentBuild and lead a high-performing Distribution functionProvide leadership, coaching, and development for managers and specialistsEstablish workforce and capability plans aligned with future business needsFoster a culture of accountability, commercial excellence, customer focus, and innovationDrive continuous improvement across processes, systems, and team performanceExperience RequirementsMinimum 12-15 years of experience in Distribution, Commercial Operations, Revenue Management, Tourism, Hospitality, Travel Technology, or related sectorsMinimum 5 years in a senior leadership role with responsibility for distribution strategy and commercial performanceProven experience managing large-scale distribution ecosystems and channel partnershipsStrong understanding of international travel distribution, OTA management, GDS networks, trade sales, and direct-to-consumer channelsExperience within destination management organizations, hospitality groups, airlines, tourism authorities, theme parks, or integrated resorts is highly desirableExperience within GCC markets and international tourism source markets preferredCore Competencies & SkillsDistribution StrategyCommercial LeadershipChannel ManagementOTA & Marketplace ManagementGDS DistributionTrade & Tour Operator PartnershipsRevenue OptimizationMarket ExpansionContract Negotiation