Senior Specialist - Distribution

Role Overview

The Senior Specialist - Distribution is entrusted with overseeing the daily operational aspects of Qiddiya's distribution network. This includes managing Online Travel Agent (OTA) accounts, configuring Global Distribution Systems (GDS), supporting trade partner platforms, and delivering detailed channel performance analytics. The role is execution-driven, ensuring Qiddiya's bookable offerings are accurately represented across all channels, competitively priced, and optimized for performance. This specialist collaborates closely with the Senior Manager - Distribution, OTA contacts, vendors, and internal teams to sustain a robust and revenue-focused distribution framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle the day-to-day administration of OTA accounts such as Booking.com, Expedia, Almosafer, and Booking.sa, including content updates, rate and availability management, and promotional campaign activations.
• Monitor and enhance OTA listing quality scores, customer reviews, and ranking positions through continuous optimization.
• Coordinate promotional initiatives like flash sales and exclusive platform offers with marketing and senior distribution leadership.
• Administer OTA extranet user permissions and reporting settings, serving as the primary operational liaison for platform representatives.
• Manage GDS content across Amadeus, Sabre, and Galileo, ensuring real-time accuracy of inventory, pricing, and booking capabilities.
• Configure and maintain the Channel Management System for seamless synchronization between the CRS and all distribution endpoints.
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues, rectify rate parity conflicts, and resolve inventory mismatches promptly.
• Support onboarding of new GDS channels and technology solutions as required.
• Oversee the Trade Partner Portal operations including user management, content maintenance, booking tools, and partner relations.
• Provide partner onboarding support with training and technical assistance, actively monitoring portal usage and booking trends.
• Manage and update pricing structures, including contracted, promotional, and dynamic rates across channels, ensuring consistent rate parity.
• Conduct routine analyses on booking trends, cancellations, and inventory releases to provide actionable insights for pricing strategies.
• Generate comprehensive daily, weekly, and monthly reports on channel performance, rate parity, and competitive positioning for senior leadership.

Experience and Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of professional experience in distribution or channel management, revenue operations within hospitality groups, OTAs, destination management, or travel technology firms.
• Proven expertise in managing OTA extranets such as Booking.com and Expedia and GDS platforms including Amadeus, Sabre, and Galileo.
• Hands-on familiarity with Channel Management Systems (CMS) and Central Reservation Systems (CRS).
• Strong skills in rate and inventory management as well as distribution reporting.
• Preferred experience within the GCC or Middle East distribution markets.

Competencies and Skills

• In-depth technical understanding of OTA extranet environments and GDS configuration processes.
• Competence with Channel Management tools like SiteMinder or Cloudbeds.
• Advanced data analysis capability with Excel, Power BI, or similar business intelligence tools.
• High precision in managing rate uploads, inventory integrity, and data accuracy.
• Effective problem-solving aptitude for resolving distribution platform issues.
• Strong communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is an advantage.