Area Sales Manager Travel Retail Saudi Arabia

What this position is about – Purpose

The Areas Sales Manager oversees Global Travel Retail activities across Saudi Arabia, covering airport duty free, ship handling, downtown duty free, border shops, and new channels. The role drives sales, manages trade and consumer programs, manages commercial operations, and maintains customer relationships. It monitors sales KPIs, market trends, and competitive dynamics to provide insights, ensures field presence, and identifies opportunities. All actions comply with JTI policies and Saudi regulations.

What will you do - Responsibilities:

Implementation of Plans & Strategies: Oversee the execution of sales, distribution, and marketing strategies, including merchandising, shelf-space, and promotions, according to directives from relevant teams. Track progress and material quality, recommending adjustments as needed. Adapt plans for channels and accounts in line with global strategy.
Data Gathering & Reporting: Ensure access to customer IT systems for comprehensive data collection on sales, invoicing, order delivery, stock, and investment. Compile and analyses monthly reports against KPIs, providing actionable recommendations for JTI and customers.
Account / Customer Engagement Program: Develop and implement local account plans and contribute to International Key Account (IKA) strategies. Foster customer engagement using JTI’s store approach to boost overall purchases. Manage local agreements, support IKA compliance, and assist with related sales and marketing programs.
Annual Business Plan and Reviews: Prepare , align, and execute annual and strategic plans, including historical analysis, SWOT, prioritized options, objectives, relationships, and KPI trackers. Maintain an 18-month rolling forecast by planning node and ensure market P&L delivery.
Retail Sales Consultants (RSC): Work with the Regional Sales Director and relevant teams to manage ongoing JTI RSC activities, including recruitment, coaching, and oversight of third-party agencies and personnel to enhance consumer insights and brand activation in stores.

Whom are we looking for – Requirements:

University degree or equivalent
Over 5 years’ experience in sales, distribution, channel management, or trade marketing; consumer/trade promotions management experience required
Key Account Management background in FMCG or Travel Retail preferred
Experience with airport duty free, ship handling, downtown duty free or border shops is a strong advantage
Global Travel Retail and tobacco industry exposure are advantageous
Fluent in English; Arabic is a plus for interactions in Saudi Arabia
Strong commercial, operational, order, pricing, and promotional execution skills
In-store visibility, availability management, and execution across all relevant channels
Proven sales performance tracking, KPI monitoring, market intelligence gathering abilities
Excellent negotiation and relationship management, especially with duty free and concession partners
Sound knowledge of commercial processes, customer service standards, MS Office, and reporting tools

Please note that this position is open to Saudi nationals only. Please submit your CV in English.