Senior Specialist - Distribution

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.