Senior Specialist - Distribution

Qiddiya; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 279,000 - 469,000; Full time

Job summary

Qiddiya seeks a Senior Specialist – Distribution to lead day-to-day operations across OTA accounts, GDS configuration, CMS connectivity, and partner platforms. You will ensure bookable products are accurately listed, competitively priced, and performing across all active distribution touchpoints.

Working with the Senior Manager – Distribution, you will optimize content, monitor performance, manage channel connectivity, and provide data-driven insights to support pricing decisions and revenue

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in distribution management, channel management, or revenue operations.
• Hands-on OTA extranets (Booking.com, Expedia) and GDS experience.
• Experience with CMS/CRS systems and channel connectivity.
• GCC/Middle East distribution experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee OTA account operations, pricing updates, and promotions.
• Manage GDS content, rate loading, and CMS connectivity.
• Operate the Trade Partner Portal with onboarding and support.
• Load contracted and promotional rates; monitor parity and inventory.
• Produce daily/weekly channel performance reports and insights.

Skills

OTA platforms

GDS configuration

CMS & CRS

Channel management

Data reporting

Excel/Power BI

English communication

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Tools

Booking.com extranet

Expedia extranet

Amadeus

Sabre

Galileo

SiteMinder

Cloudbeds

Power BI

Job description

The Senior Specialist – Distribution is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of Qiddiya DMO's distribution channels, including OTA account management, GDS configuration, trade partner platform support, and channel performance reporting. This execution-focused role ensures that all of Qiddiya's bookable products are accurately listed, competitively priced, and performing optimally across all active distribution touchpoints. The incumbent works closely with the Senior Manager – Distribution and interfaces with OTA platform contacts, technology vendors, and internal teams to maintain a high-functioning, revenue-generating distribution network.

1. OTA Account Operations & Optimisation

• Manage the daily operations of Qiddiya's OTA accounts across all active platforms (Booking.com, Expedia, Almosafer, Booking.sa, etc.) - including content updates, rate loading, availability management, and promotional activations.
• Monitor OTA content quality scores, review ratings, and listing rankings, implementing optimisation actions to maintain top-tier platform positioning.
• Coordinate OTA promotional campaigns with the Senior Manager and Marketing team, including flash sales, early-bird promotions, and platform-exclusive offers.
• Manage OTA extranet access, user permissions, and reporting configurations for all active platforms.
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for OTA platform representatives on day-to-day issues.

2. GDS Configuration & Channel Management

• Manage Qiddiya's GDS content, rate loading, and availability across Amadeus, Sabre, and Galileo platforms - ensuring accurate, bookable inventory is maintained at all times.
• Configure and maintain the Channel Management System (CMS), ensuring seamless two-way connectivity between Qiddiya's Central Reservation System (CRS) and all active distribution channels.
• Monitor and resolve channel connectivity issues, rate parity violations, and inventory discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Support the onboarding of new GDS channels and technology integrations as directed by the Senior Manager.
• Ensure GDS booking agent codes, commission rates, and special corporate rates are correctly configured and maintained.

3. Trade Partner Portal & B2B Platform Support

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Qiddiya Trade Partner Portal - including user access management, content updates, booking tool configuration, and partner query resolution.
• Onboard new trade partners onto the portal, providing setup guidance, training, and ongoing technical support.
• Monitor portal usage metrics and booking activity, flagging underperforming partners or technical issues to the Senior Manager.
• Coordinate portal content updates with Marketing to ensure all partner-facing materials (rate sheets, product descriptions, promotional offers) are current and accurate.
• Gather partner feedback on portal usability and work with the Technology team to implement improvements.

4. Pricing, Rate Parity & Inventory Management

• Load and manage contracted rates, promotional rates, and dynamic pricing parameters across all distribution channels in coordination with the Senior Manager.
• Conduct daily rate parity checks across OTA and direct channels, identifying and resolving any discrepancies immediately.
• Monitor booking pace, cancellation patterns, and demand indicators, providing data-driven inputs to support pricing decisions.
• Manage allotment releases, blackout dates, and special event inventory configurations across all channels.
• Maintain an accurate rate and inventory audit log, ensuring all changes are documented and traceable.

5. Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Produce daily and weekly channel performance reports covering booking volumes, revenue by channel, OTA rankings, rate parity status, and conversion rates.
• Maintain and update the distribution performance dashboard, ensuring accurate, real-time data is available to the Senior Manager and Senior Director.
• Conduct monthly channel performance analysis identifying trends, anomalies, and optimisation opportunities across all active distribution channels.
• Support the Senior Manager in preparing commercial reporting for monthly operations reviews and Quarterly Business Reviews.
• Track and report on competitor pricing and distribution positioning, providing market intelligence to inform Qiddiya's distribution strategy.

Qualifications

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in distribution management, channel management, or revenue operations within a hotel group, OTA, destination, or travel technology company.
• Hands‑on operational experience managing OTA extranets (Booking.com, Expedia) and GDS platforms (Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo).
• Experience working with Channel Management Systems (CMS) and Central Reservation Systems (CRS).
• Strong background in rate management, inventory management, and distribution reporting.
• GCC / Middle East distribution experience is preferred.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Deep technical knowledge of OTA extranet platforms and GDS configuration.
• Proficiency with Channel Management Systems (SiteMinder, Cloudbeds, or similar).
• Strong data and reporting skills — proficiency in Excel, Power BI, or equivalent BI tools.
• High attention to detail, particularly in rate loading, inventory management, and data accuracy.
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills for distribution system issues.
• Good communication skills in English; Arabic language proficiency is advantageous.