Director of Sales & Distribution (DSD001)

Foreground LLC; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail group in Saudi Arabia seeks a Director of Sales & Distribution to develop and execute market strategies for private label brands. This key role involves overseeing distribution, managing commercial performance, and developing high-performing teams. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 10 years in senior commercial roles, ideally in the KSA or GCC market. Strong leadership and financial skills required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in senior commercial leadership roles within distribution or brand environments.
• Proven success in sales and distribution strategies, preferably with private label brands.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement go-to-market and distribution strategy.
• Recruit and develop high-performing sales and distribution teams.
• Collaborate with marketing and supply chain for commercial execution.

Skills

Responsiveness

Compliance

Operations

Collaboration

Process Optimization

Logistics Management

Mitigation

Logistics Cost Control

Regulatory Requirements

Process Improvement

Scalability

Inventory Control

Partnerships

Stakeholder Management

Supply Chain Management

Operational Efficiency

Demand

Decision-Making

Supply Transportation

Retail Reliability

Performance Management

Expenses Optimization

Inventory Management

Forecasting

Risk Management

Automation

Procurement Strategy

Suppliers Administration Planning

Design

Marketing

Business Leadership

Sales Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field

MBA from a reputable institution

Job description

Director of Sales & Distribution (DSD001)

Job Description:

Foreground 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.

Required Skills

• Responsiveness
• Compliance
• Operations
• Collaboration
• Process Optimization
• Logistics Management
• Mitigation
• Logistics Cost Control
• Regulatory Requirements
• Process Improvement
• Scalability
• Inventory Control
• Partnerships
• Stakeholder Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Operational Efficiency
• Demand
• Decision-Making
• Supply Transportation
• Retail Reliability
• Performance Management
• Expenses Optimization
• Inventory Management
• Forecasting
• Risk Management
• Automation
• Procurement Strategy
• Suppliers Administration Planning
• Design
• Marketing
• Business Leadership
• Sales Management