Sales & Distribution Director

Job description

the employer is partnering with a leading retail group in Saudi Arabia to identify an accomplished Sales & Distribution Director who will lead and transform the go-to-market strategy for their newly launched private label brands across the Kingdom. This senior role will steer the commercial roadmap, manage distribution excellence, and build a robust sales organization to deliver sustainable growth. Role Overview Reporting directly to the CEO, the Sales & Distribution Director will have full accountability for developing and executing strategies that drive market penetration, brand presence, and revenue performance. The role will oversee all distribution and wholesale channels, ensuring the effective placement and promotion of the private label portfolio across retail chains, HORECA, and key business clients in Saudi Arabia. Key Responsibilities • Define, develop, and implement a comprehensive go-to-market and distribution strategy for private label and exclusive brands, ensuring market coverage across all relevant retail, HORECA, and corporate channels (e.g., ARAMCO, SABIC). • Build, manage, and expand a robust brand portfolio that aligns with market demands and consumer expectations. • Develop competitive pricing structures and promotional strategies to drive brand visibility, consumer engagement, and sustainable profitability. • Plan and execute effective sales initiatives to achieve agreed targets, including coverage, distribution, sales growth, promotions, merchandising, replenishment, and overall P&L performance. • Optimize distribution planning to maximise product availability and accessibility throughout diverse channels. • Recruit, develop, and mentor high-performing sales and distribution teams, promoting a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and excellence. • Foster and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including retail partners, distributors, wholesalers, and major corporate clients. • Oversee performance management of the sales and distribution organization with a focus on driving strategic objectives and measurable results. • Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, product, and supply chain teams to ensure aligned execution of commercial plans. • Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer insights to anticipate opportunities and mitigate risks. • Represent the private label brands in key market events and industry forums, serving as an ambassador for commercial excellence

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field
• MBA from a reputable institution strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in senior commercial leadership roles within multinational distribution or principal brand environments, ideally in the KSA or GCC market.
• Proven success developing and executing sales and distribution strategies, preferably involving private label or owned brands.
• Strong financial acumen, with demonstrated experience managing budgets, forecasts, and P&L performance.
• Deep knowledge of the Saudi retail, HORECA, and wholesale ecosystem, supported by a strong network of industry relationships.
• Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities, with the ability to recruit, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with a track record of relationship building at senior levels.
• Outstanding analytical, strategic thinking, and data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Fluent in English, with strong Arabic language skills highly advantageous.

Skills