Head of Distribution (FMCG & Consumer Brands)

Xeliport; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Xeliport is a startup helping Indian consumer brands expand internationally. We seek a hands-on Head of Distribution for the UAE to lead market-entry for FMCG brands and own listings across top UAE platforms and retailers.

You will negotiate terms, build a scalable UAE listing engine and drive registrations and approvals. You will coordinate with online platforms and retail chains, develop importer relationships and shape the go-to-market playbook, with a high-impact, zero-to-one remit in a

Qualifications

• A track record of personally securing listings with UAE platforms and retailers.
• Strong buyer relationships across online and offline retail.
• Ability to get in front of decision-makers within days.
• First-hand knowledge of how platforms and retailers work commercially.
• Experience across multiple categories, and contacts in ones you haven't worked in.
• 4–6 years in FMCG in the UAE.
• Working knowledge of UAE product registration and import requirements.
• An entrepreneurial approach.

Responsibilities

• Secure listings across online and quick-commerce platforms: Amazon UAE and Amazon Now, noon and noon Minutes, Talabat Mart, Careem Quik, InstaShop and Kibsons.
• Secure listings across supermarket and hypermarket chains: Lulu, Carrefour, Union Coop, Spinneys, Choithrams, Nesto, Al Adil and West Zone.
• Use your buyer relationships to get our brands in front of the right people.
• Own the listing process end to end, from first meeting to live listing.
• Negotiate listing fees, margins, promotional commitments and payment terms.
• Identify importer partners for regulated categories.
• Coordinate product registration, labelling and import approvals.
• Represent Xeliport at Gulfood and ISM Middle East.

Skills

Listing achievement UAE

Buyer relationships

Decision-maker access

Platform economics

Multi-category FMCG UAE

FMCG UAE experience

Product registration

Entrepreneurial mindset

Job description

Head of Distribution, UAE (FMCG & Consumer Brands)

Dubai | Full-time or retainer | Base + success fee per listing

About Xeliport

Xeliport helps Indian consumer brands expand internationally without having to build their own overseas operations. Our portfolio spans food, FMCG and other consumer categories, with over $25 million in combined annual sales in India. We're an early-stage startup with a small team, a big mandate and a habit of moving fast.

The role

This is a channel-opening role, not a brand growth or customer success role. You'll get our portfolio listed across the UAE, and eventually the GCC. There's no playbook to inherit; you'll build it.

What you'll do

• Secure listings across online and quick-commerce platforms: Amazon UAE and Amazon Now, noon and noon Minutes, Talabat Mart, Careem Quik, InstaShop and Kibsons




• Secure listings across supermarket and hypermarket chains: Lulu, Carrefour, Union Coop, Spinneys, Choithrams, Nesto, Al Adil and West Zone




• Use your buyer relationships to get our brands in front of the right people




• Own the listing process end to end, from first meeting to live listing




• Negotiate listing fees, margins, promotional commitments and payment terms




• Identify importer partners for regulated categories




• Coordinate product registration, labelling and import approvals




• Represent Xeliport at Gulfood and ISM Middle East

Desired Candidate Profile

Must have

• A track record of personally securing listings with UAE platforms and retailers




• Strong buyer relationships across online and offline retail




• The ability to get in front of decision-makers within days




• First-hand knowledge of how each platform and retailer works commercially




• Experience across multiple categories, and contacts in the ones you haven't worked in directly




• 4-6 years in FMCG in the UAE




• Working knowledge of UAE product registration and import requirements




• An entrepreneurial approach

Nice to have

• Experience bringing Indian brands into the UAE




• Arabic




• Relationships in KSA and the wider GCC

You'll thrive here if you

• Are dynamic and hands-on, and happy to do the work yourself, from the first buyer meeting to getting the listing live




• Move fast, take ownership and don't wait to be told




• Would rather build something from zero than run an established process




• Are comfortable with ambiguity and shifting priorities




• Want the scope and upside of an early-stage startup over a big-company title

What success looks like in 90 days

• 2 online or quick-commerce listings live




• A retail chain listing secured or progressing




• Importer partners identified for regulated categories




• A repeatable pipeline of buyer conversations

We're looking for someone who can demonstrate actual channel access and listing experience, not just general industry relationships.