Job Description
Our client:
A leading player in the consumer goods industry, is seeking an ambitious and strategic Head of Business Development to lead their growth efforts across the Lower Gulf markets, including the Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. This high-impact role focuses on distributor management, modern trade, export market expansion, and travel retail, as well as developing away-from-home (AFH) channels. The successful candidate will be a dynamic leader with the experience and vision to accelerate growth in some of the region’s most competitive and exciting markets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Market Strategy & Expansion:
The Head of Business Development will define and execute the company’s growth strategy across the Lower Gulf, identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in modern trade, travel retail, export markets, and AFH channels. They will lead initiatives that grow market share and strengthen the company’s brand presence. - Distributor Management:
The role requires building and maintaining strong relationships with distributors, ensuring performance is aligned with company objectives. This includes negotiating terms, setting performance KPIs, and driving efficiency across the distributor network. - Modern Trade & Retail:
The candidate will be responsible for leading business initiatives in the modern trade sector, ensuring sustained growth in major retail channels by optimizing partnerships, increasing product visibility, and enhancing retailer relationships. - Export & New Markets:
The Head of Business Development will also focus on identifying and developing new export markets, devising go-to-market strategies that establish the brand in new territories across the Gulf and beyond. - Away-from-Home (AFH) & Travel Retail:
They will grow the company’s presence in AFH channels, including HoReCa and catering services, as well as high-traffic travel retail environments like airports. A key part of this role will be to tailor propositions for these unique channels and drive revenue growth in these sectors. - Sales Performance:
This role carries full responsibility for setting and achieving sales targets across multiple markets and channels. The successful candidate will closely monitor market data, analyze performance, and make informed decisions to ensure the business meets or exceeds its financial objectives. - Cross-functional Leadership:
The individual will collaborate with internal teams—including marketing, supply chain, and finance—to ensure a seamless, integrated approach to market execution. Coordination across functions will be essential to ensure product availability, strategic alignment, and optimal go-to-market execution. - Team Leadership:
As a leader, the Head of Business Development will manage and develop a team of high performers, driving them to achieve collective and individual goals. The ideal candidate will foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and commercial success.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Experience & Expertise:
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 15+years of business development, sales, or general management experience within the consumer goods or FMCG industry, with a strong focus on the Lower Gulf markets. Experience managing distributors and modern trade channels is essential. - Market Knowledge:
A deep understanding of the Lower Gulf’s market dynamics, key distributors, and regulatory landscape is critical. Experience with AFH, travel retail, and export markets is highly desirable. - Leadership & Strategy:
Proven leadership experience is a must, with a strong ability to lead teams, inspire performance, and execute strategic initiatives. The candidate should be commercially driven, with a track record of delivering growth in complex and competitive markets. - Analytical & Commercial Acumen:
Strong analytical skills and a data-driven mindset are required to interpret market trends and financial performance, ensuring informed decision-making. - Communication & Relationship Building:
Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills are essential to build and maintain strong relationships with distributors, retailers, and cross-functional teams. - Education:
An MBA or advanced degree is considered a strong advantage.
Managing expectations: “At Mindfield, we strive for exceptional results, and we achieve this by understanding the needs of both our clients and candidates. We ask that you take note of our “must-haves” to ensure a successful application process. We look forward to building a long-term relationship with you. Mindfield – making a difference.”