Key Account Manager (FMCG - Ethnic Foods & Instant Meals)

Metaworld Consultant; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Metaworld Consultant is seeking a Dubai-based Key Account Manager to expand our client's Modern Trade footprint in the UAE. You will secure listings, manage relationships with major retailers, and drive sales growth for instant meals and related hot pot products.

Fluency in English and Arabic is required, Mandarin a plus, with UAE driving license and mobility. The role focuses on building partnerships, negotiating trade terms, and executing promotional campaigns to maximize shelf presence and

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–4 years of Key Account Management experience in UAE FMCG.
• Direct relationships with buyers/category managers in top UAE retailers.
• Strong commercial acumen on listing, terms, margins and promos.

Responsibilities

• Lead channel expansion and listing management across UAE key accounts.
• Negotiate trade terms, margins, listing fees and shelf space.
• Maintain store visits, audit shelf placement, pricing and stock levels.
• Drive trade marketing, end-cap displays and promotions to boost turnover.
• Manage accounts and ensure timely collections and reconciliations.

Skills

Key Account Management

FMCG

Negotiation

English

Arabic

Job description

We are hiring for this role on behalf of our client. Our client is a premier, publicly listed global FMCG food enterprise and the exclusive supplier of hot pot seasonings and convenient fast-food products for the world-renowned Haidilao brand.

As an industry trailblazer in packaged foods, they specialize in the R&D, production, and global distribution of Instant Meals & Self-Heating Hot Pots, Hot Pot Seasonings, and Premium Compound Condiments. With multiple automated manufacturing bases worldwide and products distributed across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, they bring authentic, high-quality, and innovative dining experiences to millions of households globally.

Driven by the strategic global expansion, their Dubai operation serves as the Middle East regional hub, dedicated to bringing our market-leading convenient food solutions into mainstream retail channels across the GCC.

Position Overview

The Key Account Manager (KAM) based in Dubai will lead and expand our retail footprint across major Modern Trade (KA) channels in the UAE. This role will be responsible for securing listing approvals, building account partnerships, and driving sales growth for our industry-leading food products—primarily focusing on Instant Meals / Self-Heating Hot Pots, supported by Hot Pot Seasonings and Compound Condiments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Channel Expansion & Listing Management (Account Setup)

• Drive the end-to-end listing and account setup process across major UAE Key Accounts (e.g., Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, Spinneys, Choithrams, Nesto, Viva, etc.).
• Utilize strong local buyer relationships to present product proposals, negotiate commercial trade terms, margin structures, and listing fees to secure immediate shelf space.
• Target both ethnic Asian retail chains and mainstream regional hypermarkets/supermarkets.
• Manage daily business operations for key accounts, ensuring optimal product availability, stock replenishment, and order fulfillment.
• Monitor sell-in and sell-out performance; design and execute effective trade marketing campaigns, end-cap displays, and promotional strategies to boost turnover.
• Conduct regular store visits to audit shelf placement, pricing integrity, stock levels, and competitor activities.

3. Product Category Strategy & Promotion

• Strategically promote the core portfolio: Instant Meals & Self-Heating Products as the primary driver, accompanied by Hot Pot Base & Cooking Seasonings.
• Adapt product messaging and sampling events to educate local and multicultural consumers on instant Asian meal consumption.
• Manage trade spending budgets, promotional allowances, rebate calculations, and aging receivables.
• Reconcile account statements and ensure timely collections from retailers.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 3-4 years of Key Account Management experience in the FMCG sector within the UAE, specifically in packaged foods, condiments, or ethnic food categories.
• Proven Network (Crucial): Possess direct, active relationships with buyers/category managers in top UAE retail chains (Carrefour, Lulu, Spinneys, etc.) with a proven track record of bringing new FMCG SKUs into retail systems.
• Category Familiarity: Experience in Asian food products, instant foods, or seasoning products is a strong advantage.
• Commercial Acumen: Deep understanding of UAE modern trade commercial practices, contract negotiations, listing fee structures, and margin calculations.
• Languages: Professional fluency in English and Arabic is required. Proficiency in Mandarin is a distinct advantage.
• Mobility: Valid UAE Driver’s License and personal car.