Senior Specialist - Distribution

Qiddiya Investment Company; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Qiddiya Investment Company in Riyadh is seeking a Senior Specialist – Distribution to manage day‑to‑day OTA accounts, GDS configuration, and trade partner portal activities. You will optimize listings, pricing, and channel performance across Booking.com, Expedia, Almosafer, and more.

The role requires hands‑on OTA extranet and CMS experience, strong data reporting skills, and the ability to collaborate with technology vendors and internal teams. GCC distribution experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in distribution management or revenue operations.
• Hands-on OTA extranet and GDS experience.
• Experience with CMS/CRS systems.
• Strong rate and inventory management background.
• GCC / Middle East distribution experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage OTA accounts daily operations, content updates and pricing.
• Monitor content quality, rankings, and promotions across platforms.
• Coordinate campaigns with Marketing and Senior Manager.
• Manage GDS content, CMS configuration and two-way connectivity.
• Produce channel performance reports and dashboards.

Skills

Excel

Power BI

Data analysis

English communication

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Tools

SiteMinder

Cloudbeds

Amadeus

Sabre

Galileo

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.