Brand Development Manager - UAE

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

Distribution & Expansion

• 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

Brand Activation

• 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)

Relationship Management

• 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

Market Intelligence

• 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

Experience & Education

• 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

Required Skills

• 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

Additional Requirement

• Willingness to travel when required