Area Manager - MEA - MNC Confectionery Business

Yello; Dubai; On-site; AED 441,000 - 771,000; Full time

Job summary

Yello is seeking a seasoned commercial leader to identify and appoint distributor partners in Saudi Arabia and to manage and grow distributor networks across the MENA region.

You will drive sales, expand brand presence, and uncover new growth opportunities while collaborating with regional and European leadership to share market insights. Arabic skills are a plus but not mandatory, with a hands-on, independent work style.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial FMCG experience.
• Experience managing distributors in MENA or North Africa.
• Proven track record of market development and growth via distributors.
• Experience with international brands or regional businesses.
• Commercially driven, hands-on and self-sufficient.
• Strong stakeholder management with senior leadership.
• Arabic language is advantageous but not required.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate and appoint a new distributor partner in Saudi Arabia.
• Manage and strengthen existing distributor relationships across MENA.
• Drive sales, distribution and brand presence across priority markets.
• Identify new commercial opportunities and areas for regional growth.
• Develop strong relationships with distributors, customers and key market stakeholders.
• Provide competitor, category and market insights to the European leadership team.
• Act as the key commercial representative for the business across MENA.

Skills

FMCG experience

Distributor management

Market development

Stakeholder management

Independent worker

Job description

Our client is an established international confectionery business with a strong global presence and a portfolio of well-recognised products. The business is investing in its MENA presence and establishing dedicated commercial leadership closer to its regional markets.

• Identify, evaluate and appoint a new distributor partner in Saudi Arabia.
• Manage and strengthen existing distributor relationships across MENA.
• Drive sales, distribution and brand presence across priority markets.
• Identify new commercial opportunities and areas for regional growth.
• Develop strong relationships with distributors, customers and key market stakeholders.
• Provide competitor, category and market insights to the European leadership team.
• Act as the key commercial representative for the business across MENA.

• 5+ years of commercial experience within FMCG, ideally confectionery, snacks or a related category.
• Strong experience managing distributors across Middle Eastern markets or North Africa.
• Proven track record of developing markets and driving growth through distributor partners.
• Experience working with international brands or strong regional businesses.
• Commercially driven, hands on and comfortable operating independently.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to work directly with senior leadership.
• Arabic would be advantageous but are not essential.