Business Development Manager – QSR (Traditional Saudi Cuisine)

Azzad Saudi Company; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the Quick Service Restaurant sector is seeking a dynamic Business Development Manager to fuel its expansion across Saudi Arabia. This role involves scouting prime locations, managing partnerships with food aggregators, and securing corporate contracts. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the QSR landscape, coupled with strong negotiation and analytical skills. Join a vibrant team dedicated to delivering authentic Saudi cuisine and driving growth in a culturally rich market. If you're passionate about business development and have a flair for building relationships, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in business development within Saudi Arabia’s Food & Beverage industry.
• Fluent in English and Arabic, with strong negotiation and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify prime locations for new outlets and conduct feasibility studies.
• Establish relationships with food delivery platforms to enhance visibility.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation skills

Market analysis

Customer acquisition

Leadership

Financial acumen

Effective communication

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Certification in real estate or supply chain management

Tools

CRM tools

Data analysis software

POS systems

Job description

We are a rapidly expanding Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) company dedicated to serving authentic Saudi Arabian cuisine, with a focus on traditional chicken and rice dishes. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, culturally rooted meals while pioneering growth across Saudi Arabia. As we scale, we seek a dynamic, bilingual Business Development Manager to drive our expansion and strengthen our market presence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Location Scouting & Market Expansion
   - Identify and evaluate prime locations for new outlets in Riyadh and other regions, leveraging acute knowledge of local demographics, foot traffic, and competitive landscapes.
   - Conduct feasibility studies, negotiate lease agreements, and collaborate with real estate agents and landlords.
   - Develop a pipeline of high-potential sites aligned with the company’s growth strategy.
2. Partnership Management with Food Aggregators
   - Establish and maintain relationships with key food delivery platforms (e.g., HungerStation, Jahez, Talabat) to optimize brand visibility and sales.
   - Negotiate commercial terms, commission rates, and promotional campaigns to drive online orders.
   - Monitor aggregator performance and implement strategies to enhance delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction.
3. Corporate Business Development
   - Secure corporate catering contracts, bulk orders, and partnerships with businesses, government entities, and event organizers.
   - Design tailored proposals to meet corporate client needs and foster long-term relationships.
4. Market Intelligence & Strategy
   - Analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor activity to inform expansion strategies.
   - Provide actionable insights to senior leadership on emerging opportunities in Riyadh and other regions.
5. Stakeholder Networking
   - Leverage an existing network of contacts in Saudi Arabia’s F&B, real estate, and corporate sectors to unlock growth opportunities.
   - Attend industry events and build relationships with key influencers and decision-makers.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
   - Work closely with Marketing, Operations, and Finance teams to ensure seamless execution of new site launches and partnerships.

Qualifications

• - Language: Fluent in English and Arabic (written and spoken).
• - Experience: Minimum 5 years in business development, sales, or market expansion within Saudi Arabia’s Food & Beverage industry.
• - Market Expertise: Deep understanding of Riyadh’s QSR landscape and proven success in identifying high-traffic locations.
• - Network: Established connections with real estate agents, food aggregators, and corporate clients across Saudi regions.
• - Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• - Skills:
  • - Strategic thinker with strong negotiation and analytical abilities.
  • - Proficiency in CRM tools and data analysis software.
  • - Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel domestically.

Preferred:

• - Certification in real estate, sales, or supply chain management.
• - Experience in franchise development or multi-unit QSR operations.

Skills

1. Industry Knowledge:
   • Understanding of Traditional Saudi Cuisine: Knowledge of the unique dishes, flavors, and culinary traditions in Saudi Arabia.
   • QSR Market Dynamics: Deep understanding of the QSR sector, including trends, consumer behavior, and competition in the region.
   • Cultural Sensitivity: Appreciation and understanding of the local culture, preferences, and food consumption habits of Saudi customers.
2. Business Development Skills:
   • Market Analysis: Ability to assess market conditions and identify new opportunities for growth in the QSR sector, especially within traditional Saudi cuisine.
   • Strategic Planning: Developing long-term business strategies, including market expansion, branding, and positioning.
   • Partnership Development: Building and nurturing relationships with suppliers, partners, and key stakeholders, including local and international suppliers of ingredients for traditional Saudi dishes.
3. Sales & Marketing Expertise:
   • Branding & Promotion: Creating and executing campaigns that promote traditional Saudi cuisine to a broad audience, with an understanding of digital and traditional marketing strategies.
   • Sales Growth: Experience in driving sales and profitability through targeted business strategies, promotions, and menu innovation.
   • Customer Acquisition & Retention: Creating strategies for both attracting new customers and retaining existing ones through loyalty programs, special offers, or creating memorable dining experiences.
4. Operational Management:
   • Supply Chain & Logistics: Understanding the logistics and supply chain necessary to maintain consistency in food quality and inventory management for traditional dishes.
   • Cost Management: Managing budgets, food cost control, and profitability to ensure efficient operations and growth.
   • Quality Control: Maintaining high-quality standards in food preparation, service, and hygiene to meet customer expectations.
5. Leadership & Team Management:
   • Leadership & Team Building: Experience in managing, motivating, and training teams to achieve business goals.
   • Conflict Resolution: Handling disputes or issues among staff, suppliers, or customers in a constructive manner.
   • Performance Monitoring: Tracking KPIs, setting goals, and providing feedback to enhance team performance.
6. Financial Acumen:
   • Budgeting & Forecasting: Managing financial forecasts and budgets, ensuring sustainable profitability in line with company objectives.
   • P&L Management: Understanding profit and loss statements and making data-driven decisions to improve financial outcomes.
7. Networking & Relationship Management:
   • Networking Skills: Building relationships with key industry stakeholders, including suppliers, franchisees, and investors.
   • Public Relations: Representing the brand to media, stakeholders, and other external parties, maintaining a positive public image.
8. Technology Proficiency:
   • POS & Ordering Systems: Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and online ordering platforms for QSRs.
   • CRM Systems: Utilizing customer relationship management systems to track customer feedback, preferences, and sales trends.
   • Data Analysis: Using data to drive decisions regarding customer behavior, menu performance, and operational efficiency.
9. Entrepreneurial Mindset:
   • Innovation: Ability to think creatively about menu expansion or adapting traditional dishes for modern tastes, while maintaining authenticity.
   • Risk Management: Understanding and mitigating potential business risks associated with expansion, operations, or product changes.
10. Communication Skills:
    • Effective Communication: Clear and persuasive communication with customers, internal teams, and external stakeholders.
    • Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate contracts, supplier agreements, and franchise deals effectively.