Our client, a leading international premium spirits group, is looking for a commercially driven Brand Development Manager to accelerate growth in the UAE.
This is a high-impact, on-trade focused role where you will drive distribution, win new accounts, and deliver standout brand activations across bars, restaurants, hotels, and clubs.
If you thrive in the fast-paced hospitality scene and know how to get brands visible, listed, and selling — this role is for you.
Key Responsibilities
Distribution & Expansion
- Segment and prioritize on-trade outlets aligned to brand strategy
- Identify, approach, and secure new on-trade accounts
- Support perfect store negotiations with venue owners
- Drive full portfolio penetration with focus on aperitif category
- Track KPIs for distribution growth through audits and reporting
Brand Activation
- Plan and execute high-impact activation strategies
- Partner with venues on campaigns and events
- Monitor activation KPIs and ROI
- Secure premium visibility (menus, back bars, POSM, promotions)
Relationship Management
- Build strong partnerships with F&B leaders and hospitality stakeholders
- Collaborate closely with local distribution partner
- Deliver bartender and BA training programs
- Provide hands-on support to on-trade partners
Market Intelligence
- Monitor consumer trends and competitor activity in UAE on trade
- Provide actionable insights to internal teams
- Benchmark performance vs. competitors
- Use data to optimize route-to-market and activation plans
Experience & Education
- Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, or related field
- 2–3 years experience in sales, business development, or trade marketing within beverage/alcohol (spirits preferred)
- Strong knowledge of UAE on-trade landscape
- Demonstrated commercial growth and activation success
- Proven negotiation and relationship-building skills
- Entrepreneurial, proactive, and able to work independently
Required Skills
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- Strong time and priority management
- Hands-on problem solver with project management capability
- Strong stakeholder management across all levels
- Team player with opportunity-spotting mindset
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Fluent in English (Arabic is a plus)
- Passion for the spirits industry
- Strong presentation skills
Additional Requirement
- Willingness to travel when required
