Senior Specialist - Distribution

Role Overview

Senior Specialist – Distribution at Qiddiya Investment Company. This is an execution-focused operational role based in the Qiddiya organization.

Role Purpose

Manage the day-to-day operational execution of Qiddiya's distribution channels, ensuring all bookable products are accurately listed, competitively priced, and performing optimally across OTA accounts, GDS platforms, and trade partner portals. The role serves as the primary operational point of contact between Qiddiya's distribution network and external OTA platform contacts, technology vendors, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

OTA Account Operations & Optimization

• Manage daily operations of Qiddiya's OTA accounts across all active platforms including Booking.com, Expedia, Almosafer, and Booking.sa.
• Execute content updates, rate loading, availability management, and promotional activations on OTA extranets.
• Monitor OTA content quality scores, review ratings, and listing rankings to maintain top-tier platform positioning.
• Implement optimization actions based on OTA performance data.
• 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 across all active platforms.
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for OTA platform representatives on day-to-day issues.

GDS Configuration & Channel Management

• Manage Qiddiya's GDS content, rate loading, and availability across Amadeus, Sabre, and Galileo platforms.
• Maintain accurate, bookable inventory at all times across GDS channels.
• Configure and maintain the Channel Management System (CMS) to ensure seamless two-way connectivity between Qiddiya's Central Reservation System (CRS) and all active distribution channels.
• Monitor and resolve channel connectivity issues in a timely manner.
• Identify and resolve rate parity violations across channels.
• Identify and resolve inventory discrepancies across channels.
• 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.

Trade Partner Portal & B2B Platform Support

• Manage 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.
• Flag underperforming partners or technical issues to the Senior Manager.
• Coordinate portal content updates with Marketing to ensure all partner-facing materials are current and accurate.
• Coordinate rate sheets, product descriptions, and promotional offers across the portal.
• Gather partner feedback on portal usability and work with the Technology team to implement improvements.

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.
• Identify and resolve rate discrepancies immediately.
• Monitor booking pace, cancellation patterns, and demand indicators.
• Provide 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 with full documentation and traceability of all changes.

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 with accurate, real-time data.
• Ensure the dashboard is available to the Senior Manager and Senior Director.
• Conduct monthly channel performance analysis identifying trends, anomalies, and optimization opportunities.
• 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.
• Provide market intelligence to inform Qiddiya's distribution strategy.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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 including Booking.com and Expedia.
• Hands-on operational experience managing GDS platforms including Amadeus, Sabre, and Galileo.
• Proven 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.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep technical knowledge of OTA extranet platforms and GDS configuration.
• Proficiency with Channel Management Systems such as SiteMinder, Cloudbeds, or similar platforms.
• Strong data and reporting skills with proficiency in Excel, Power BI, or equivalent business intelligence 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.