Brand Development Manager – UAE (Dubai)

Job Description

Our client, a leading international premium spirits group, is looking for a commercially driven Brand Development Manager to accelerate growth in the UAE.

This is a high-impact, on-trade focused role where you will drive distribution, win new accounts, and deliver standout brand activations across bars, restaurants, hotels, and clubs.

If you thrive in the fast-paced hospitality scene and know how to get brands visible, listed, and selling — this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Segment and prioritize on-trade outlets aligned to brand strategy
• Identify, approach, and secure new on-trade accounts
• Support perfect store negotiations with venue owners
• Drive full portfolio penetration with focus on aperitif category
• Track KPIs for distribution growth through audits and reporting

• Plan and execute high-impact activation strategies
• Partner with venues on campaigns and events
• Monitor activation KPIs and ROI
• Secure premium visibility (menus, back bars, POSM, promotions)

• Build strong partnerships with F&B leaders and hospitality stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with local distribution partner
• Deliver bartender and BA training programs
• Provide hands-on support to on-trade partners

• Monitor consumer trends and competitor activity in UAE on trade
• Provide actionable insights to internal teams
• Benchmark performance vs. competitors
• Use data to optimize route-to-market and activation plans

• Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, or related field
• 2–3 years experience in sales, business development, or trade marketing within beverage/alcohol (spirits preferred)
• Strong knowledge of UAE on-trade landscape
• Demonstrated commercial growth and activation success
• Proven negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and able to work independently

• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Strong time and priority management
• Hands-on problem solver with project management capability
• Strong stakeholder management across all levels
• Team player with opportunity-spotting mindset
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Fluent in English (Arabic is a plus)
• Passion for the spirits industry
• Strong presentation skills

• Willingness to travel when required