Country Manager UAE

About Us
From Arthur Guinness to Johnnie Walker, our business has a legacy of great character spanning 250 years. As the world's leading premium alcohol company, our brands are industry icons, and our success is driven by the strength of our people. We aim to build the most trusted and respected Consumer Products Company globally, requiring the world's very best talent.

Scope

ABOUT THE ROLE
Diageo has recently established MENA as a standalone market within Europe alongside five other entities. MENA, primarily a whisky market, boasts one of the highest market shares and brand equities for Johnnie Walker. The region comprises three sub-regions: Gulf (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, FTZ), Levant (Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq), and North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria). The Country Manager UAE will oversee all three channels: UAE On-trade, Retail, and E-commerce. While the MENA headquarters is in Dubai, operations in Beirut are run from the Lebanon Hub.

Purpose of the role
The Country Manager UAE is a pivotal member of the Gulf Org Structure, tasked with implementing commercial strategies and executing brand plans to drive market share and value. This role entails building strong relationships with distributors and customers to ensure sustainable and profitable growth across the value chain.

Top Accountabilities
- Implement UAE market strategy to optimize growth opportunities and profit enhancement.
- Build strong relationships with customers and distributors to drive sustainable growth.
- Prepare for QBRs with distributors and develop action plans.
- Deliver brand performance targets in line with UAE commercial strategy.
- Implement an omnichannel strategy for a cohesive consumer experience.
- Lead the relationship with key partners, especially distributors, ensuring a mutually profitable partnership.

About You
- 6-8 years of successful commercial experience in FMCG blue-chip multinationals.
- Experience in managing direct customers and distributors.
- Strong commercial insight and experience, preferably gained through cross-functional working.
- Demonstrated numerical and financial skills.
- Proven ability to persuade, influence, and build credibility.
- Excellent relationship building, analytical, and negotiation skills.
- Track record in executing effective commercial strategy in a competitive environment.