CNN Content Sales Strategic Partnership Sr Manager Middle East Africa Doha based

Turner Broadcasting System Arabia FZ-LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global media company seeks a Senior Sales Manager to lead initiatives across the Middle East and Africa. The role involves developing sales strategies, driving new opportunities, and nurturing client relationships. Ideal candidates have 10+ years of media sales experience, strong relationships in the region, and proven sales success. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are essential. Join a dynamic team committed to diversity and inclusion in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in media sales, focusing on Middle Eastern or African market.
• Strong relationships and networks in the region.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies.
• Drive the generation of new sales opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients.

Skills

Sales Strategy Development

Client Relationship Management

Negotiation Skills

Market Knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business

Job description

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are

When we say the stuff dreams are made of we are not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what's next.

From brilliant creatives to technology trailblazers across the globe WBD offers career-defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

We are the now and the next. The power behind the people building the future. We are born from the spirit of innovation. We are created from the idea that people around the world want more, need more, deserve more. We are the home of the global digital revolution. We are CNN.

To see what it’s like to work at CNN follow @WBDLife on Instagram and X!

PLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE WILL BE BASED IN DOHA QATAR

About CNN International Commercial

CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) is responsible for the business operations of CNN’s properties outside the United States. All commercial activities for brands such as CNN International, CNN en Español, CNN Arabic, CNN Academy are aligned within the division. This includes advertising sales, sponsorship partnerships, commercial content development, content sales, brand licensing, distribution and out‑of‑home operations, business development and marketing for the world’s leading international news provider.

Content Sales & Strategic Partnerships

The Content Sales & Strategic Partnerships team provides content and services to broadcasters and web publishers across the globe. This division is also responsible for the development and supervision of strategic partnerships including branded channels (e.g. CNN Greece, CNN Prima, CNN Turk, CNN Portugal etc.) and innovative commercial partnerships.

The team is also responsible for expanding the footprint of CNN Academy by signing commercial deals with universities, foundations and various institutions.

EMEA is a key market for CNN International Commercial and generates a third of the Content Sales & Strategic Partnerships global revenue as well as significant distribution revenues for CNN.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Sales Manager to lead our sales initiatives across the Middle East and Africa. Reporting to the Senior Director Content Sales & Licensing EMEA/India the Senior Manager will be responsible for identifying and securing revenue opportunities in the Middle East and Africa, growing the commercial business portfolio and nurturing strong relationships with current clients. The Senior Manager will work closely with the wider team and internal stakeholders (Product, Legal, Finance departments and other regional Sales Heads).

Areas of Responsibility

• Sales Strategy Development: Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies tailored to the diverse markets across the Middle East and Africa focusing on both short‑term revenue goals and long‑term growth.
• Sales Generation: Drive the generation of new sales opportunities through proactive outreach, networking and leveraging existing relationships to expand the client base in all aspects of the business portfolio: Content Academy, branded partnerships.
• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders and industry partners at the most senior levels ensuring a deep understanding of their needs and objectives.
• Pitching, Negotiation and Delivery: Lead the pitching and negotiation process with clients ensuring successful delivery of revenue targets through effective deal closure and relationship management.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams and departments including Advertising Sales to align strategies and drive cohesive business initiatives.

Selection Criteria

• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, marketing, communications or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in media sales with a strong focus on the Middle Eastern or African market; strong relationships/contacts and networks in the region.
• Knowledge: Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets; demonstrated success building large commercial partnerships.
• Experience: Deep understanding of cultural dynamics and business practices across different regions in the Middle East and Africa enabling effective engagement with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Communication: Exceptional communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Self‑Management: Self‑motivation and accountability.
• Skill: Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions.
• Ability to travel sometimes at short notice.
• Language: Arabic and additional European languages a plus.

How We Get Things Done

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them online along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.