We need a Head of Gulf
Job Description :
About us
With over 200 brands sold in nearly 180 countries, we’re the world’s leading premium drinks company. Bring your passion and use your curiosity as you explore, collaborate, and innovate to build brands consumers love. Together with passionate people from all over the world, you’ll test new ideas, learn and grow, and unlock a brighter, more exciting future.
Join us to create a career worth celebrating.
About the Function
Our Sales team love building relationships, connecting with customers to sell our much-loved brands in new and vibrant markets where they can thrive. They help sell our iconic brands across 180 countries every year.
We’re operating across different markets, channels, and areas of expertise. Using your curiosity and passion, you’ll make the most of consumer insight and digital platforms, reaching new customers, markets, and celebrations to help us achieve our growth potential. We’ll support your learning and growth as you develop your career with us and work with people across our business to realise your fullest potential
Market Context and Role Scope
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is one of the most complex, volatile and opportunity-rich regions globally, characterised by rapid growth, regulatory sensitivity and significant diversity across markets. The region spans 17 countries, including sanctioned and dry markets, and serves a population of approximately 500 million people with highly diverse cultural, religious and socio-economic profiles. With around 95% of the population Muslim, the beverage alcohol industry operates in a uniquely sensitive environment where reputation, compliance and stakeholder management are critical to sustainable success.
The total beverage alcohol landscape in MENA is shaped by frequent shifts in political, cultural and religious dynamics, resulting in evolving government legislation, changing consumer behaviour and continual Route to Market complexity. Success in the region requires sophisticated RTM design, strong distributor partnerships and the ability to adapt at pace to changing regulatory and market conditions.
At the same time, MENA is undergoing a structural transformation. Governments are accelerating diversification agendas most notably through Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2030 to reposition the region as a global hub for tourism, hospitality and luxury experiences. This evolution creates significant long-term growth opportunities for Diageo, particularly across on-trade, travel retail, luxury, local bottling, non-alcoholic beverages and emerging alternative channels.
Within this context, MENA represents a strategically critical growth engine for Diageo, encompassing developed, emerging and frontier markets, primarily operating through distributor-led models. The Commercial Director – MENA leads across this breadth and complexity, shaping differentiated market and channel strategies, unlocking growth through premiumisation and innovation, and ensuring Diageo wins responsibly and sustainably across on-trade, B2B, travel retail and increasingly omni-channel and e-commerce routes to market.
Within MENA, the Gulf remains the biggest region in terms of NSV mainly driven by the UAE. The region will be driving the growth of MENA in the next 5 years.
UAE being the biggest market in the region, it showcases a mix of 4 channels:
1. Very advanced On-trade where the biggest global groups are operating in Dubai.
2. Fast-growing retail channel which is yet untapped for Diageo although it doubled year on year
3. E-commerce with Spirits now being sold online.
4. FTZ Middle East, a strong yet volatile channel that needs close control on pricing and stock movement.
Purpose of the role
The Head of Gulf is a key member of the Commercial Team and reports to the MENA Commercial Director. This highly strategic role will be responsible for driving value market share and best practices in well-established markets like UAE and build and develop new RTC in markets like Saudi Arabia. The role leads and inspires an international team of 6 FTEs and extended team of Diageo’s distributors in the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of the market strategy to optimize growth opportunities, market share win and profit enhancement.
- Create value by locking strategic pricing and trade terms across the value chain and by achieving the triple Win for Diageo, Distributor and Customer.
- Develop an omnichannel strategy ensuring a cohesive consumer experience across all channels (e-com, on trade and off trade).
- Lead the relationship with key and relevant stakeholders (external and internal), especially distributors while keeping a sustainable, mutually profitable and strong partnership.
- Lead the negotiation with distributors while securing access to depletions and relevant market data to increase action plan and strategies efficiency.
- Lead the RTC agenda by assessing the right distributor model for the right business (Alc and Non Alc)
- Build a strong launch plan for Saudi Non-Alc Business which will help define opportunity size and build the right RTC to cater market demand.
- Unlock regional deals for Diageo MENA while leveraging on on-trade groups operating in different MENA countries.
- Overlook relationship with key customers within the region while ensuring strong JUBP and tailor-made approach based on customer specificity.
- Build, lead and coach a strong team that will enable us to enhance our effective presence in the market.
Experience / skills required
- 12-15 years of successful experience in commercial function, with at least six years in a senior role in
matrixed environments with FMCG blue chip multinationals
- Experience in leading a big and successful in-market RTC Change.
- Essential commercial insight and experience. Preferable if gained through cross-functional working. Demonstrates numerical and financial skills.
- Proven ability to persuade, influence and build credibility with all levels and all functions.
- Strong Analytical, persuasive selling, negotiation and decision-making skills.
- Experience in planning and orchestrating available limited resources to achieve ambitious growth targets.
- Excellent coaching and relationship building skills. Demonstrates a track record as a valued coach and peer in the business.
- Has held commercial roles with full P&L accountability.
- Track record in building and executing effective commercial strategy in a competitive environment while ensuring strong brand presence and leadership.
Diversity statement
Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. And creating an inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued and that they can belong, is a crucial part of this.
We embrace diversity in the broadest possible sense. This means that you’ll be welcomed and celebrated for who you are just by being you. You’ll be part of and help build and champion an inclusive culture that celebrates people of different gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, social class, educational backgrounds, experiences, mindsets, and more.
Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. Join us and help transform our business as we take our brands to the next level and build new ones as part of shaping the next generation of celebrations for consumers around the world.
Feel inspired? Then this may be the opportunity for you. If you require a reasonable adjustment, please ensure that you capture this information when you submit your application.
Worker Type :
RegularPrimary Location:
DubaiAdditional Locations :
Job Posting Start Date :
2026-03-30DETAILS TO REGISTER FOR THIS JOB:
Send your updated ATS-compliant CV:https://diageo.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Diageo_Careers/job/Dubai-United-Arab-Emirates/Head-of-Gulf_JR1124497
π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π²
What is an ATS CV?
Applicant Tracking System or "ATS", is the software that 'READS' your CV and stores this information in a database. Like this:
If the CV is not made as per the RULES of the ATS, the information will get messed up in the database. Like this:
And, you may never be found by the recruiter, in spite of your 'CV information' existing in the database...
... And, you'll wonder why you get rejected in spite of being a PERFECT MATCH for the Job.
Entry Level (0 - 2 Years Career Experience)
Junior Professional Level (2 - 5 Years Career Experience)
Mid Level Professional (5 - 8 Years Career Experience)
Senior Professional Level (8 - 40 Years Career Experience)
Executive Level (C-Level, MD, VP, Director, Lawyer, Doctor, Investor, etc.)
π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π²
We've all heard we need to ”tweak the CV” to match the 'job vacancy’.
BUT, no one showed us how to actually do it.
Till Now!
Applying with a generic resumΓ©/CV, does not work, as the Applicant Tracking Software removes non-matching resumΓ©/CV's from the queue of candidates to call for an interview.
If you are willing 'TO DO WHAT IT TAKES' (Lionify!), then follow 'The Process' given below.
Else, close this website, continue doom-scrolling on your phone, and curse everything/everyone for your failure to find a good job.
You know you're talented and skilled, BUT, it takes effort to search and apply for jobs that will take you to the NEXT LEVEL.
Make up your MIND to FOLLOW The 4-step Process, where our deep expertise in crafting ATS-compliant resumes, and the POWER of AI will create the BEST ATS-friendly resumΓ©/CV.
Our 27+ years of expertise in designing CV’s + the Power of AI together help you in your quest to Lionify.
So, what is the Meaning of Lionify?
To Do Everything it takes…to find your DREAM JOB.
Navigate here: https://lionify.ai/
π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π²
Read the recommendations our customers have given us, on my LinkedIn profile.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shabbirfkagalwala/details/recommendations/
Navigate here for more testimonials/feedback about our expertise and results:
www.dubai-forever.com/resume-writing-feedback.html
www.dubai-forever.com/cv-writing-reviews.html
Also, read reviews about "www.Dubai-Forever.Com" on TrustPilot.com, the world's must trusted review site...
π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π²
Navigate here for the Latest CV Samples & Templates, APPROVED by recruiters. For FREE!:
https://www.dubai-forever.com/cv-writing-sample.html
π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π²
Join the Fastest Growing Job Group on LinkedIn:
π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π²
Join the Middle East's Best Job Groups on Whatsapp:
π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π²
Join our Telegram Group:
π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π²
Submit your CV here, as well:
π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π²
We support the Far-Sighted, Growth-Oriented Vision announced by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
It's an exciting time and the next 30 - 40 years will see massive growth in jobs in the GCC countries.
Excited about working in the GCC? Click on one of the banner's below...
π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π²
SOCIAL INITIATIVE:
We publish job vacancies on this Job Portal (https://www.dubai-jobs.me) and our Whatsapp groups (www.dubai-forever.com/whatsapp-jobs.html) for the benefit of job-seekers.
It is to help people who are searching for jobs from across the world.
This is a Social Initiative from our team @ dubai-forever.com, so please help in this Noble Task by Forwarding these jobs within your Network.
Do this GOOD DEED.
You never know who will benefit from it.
You've heard about KARMA right?
It's waiting to give you 10X of whatever you do...Do the Good Deed. FORWARD NOW!
π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π°πΌ π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π² π§π π¦πͺ πΈπ¦ πΆπ¦ π΄π²
