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.