Manager, Commercial Development (Coffee)

Manager, Commercial Development (Coffee) – Jeddah

Join a dynamic and forward-thinking FMCG and beverage leader in Saudi Arabia as we seek a visionary Manager, Commercial Development (Coffee) to drive innovation, optimize category performance, and accelerate growth across key retail channels. This strategic role is designed for a results-driven professional with a passion for data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and commercial excellence. Based in Jeddah, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of coffee commercialization, ensuring alignment between market insights, consumer behavior, and business objectives.

In this impactful position, you will lead the development and execution of robust category strategies tailored to the evolving dynamics of the Saudi market. Your expertise will be instrumental in translating complex consumer and shopper data into actionable commercial plans that enhance product availability, visibility, and overall category performance. By fostering seamless collaboration between Sales, Marketing, and other key stakeholders, you will ensure that every initiative is aligned with both short-term execution goals and long-term business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Your role will encompass a broad spectrum of strategic and operational responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Strategic Category Leadership: Develop and deploy data-driven category strategies that align with market trends, shopper behavior, and channel-specific dynamics. Ensure these strategies are agile, scalable, and designed to maximize market share and revenue growth.
• Insight-Driven Decision Making: Leverage advanced analytics to interpret retail audit data, market share trends, distribution patterns, and sell-out performance. Convert these insights into clear, actionable recommendations that drive category optimization and commercial success.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Bridge the gap between Sales, Marketing, and other functional teams by facilitating the flow of critical information. Ensure that all stakeholders—from Category Management to Brand and Shopper Marketing—are aligned on priorities, goals, and execution plans.
• Channel and Assortment Optimization: Define the ideal SKU assortment for each channel, considering shopper missions, store formats, and emerging market trends. Optimize planograms, point-of-sale executions, and product visibility to enhance in-store performance and customer engagement.
• E-Commerce and Digital Growth: Collaborate with digital teams to develop and execute e-commerce category strategies. Drive innovation in online retail, ensuring seamless integration with physical store initiatives to create a cohesive omnichannel experience.
• Commercial Planning and Activation: Lead the commercial planning process, ensuring that integrated plans are executed effectively across all channels—both physical and digital. Support the launch of new products and initiatives with compelling category selling stories that resonate with retailers and consumers alike.
• Performance Tracking and Reporting: Monitor category spending, market performance, and key metrics to ensure accuracy and accountability. Provide stakeholders with transparent, data-backed reports that inform strategic decisions and highlight areas for improvement.
• Business Case Development: Build compelling business cases that identify and capitalize on future growth opportunities. Work closely with cross-functional teams to implement solutions that enhance customer satisfaction, distribution efficiency, and overall commercial performance.

This role is ideal for a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. You will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the coffee category, driving innovation and setting new benchmarks for commercial success in the Saudi market.

Why Join Us?

By taking on this challenge, you will:

• Be part of a leading FMCG and beverage company with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
• Work in a collaborative, high-energy environment where your strategic insights and commercial expertise will be valued and amplified.
• Develop and refine your skills in category management, trade marketing, and shopper insights—areas critical to the future of retail and consumer goods.
• Contribute to the growth of a category you are passionate about, leaving a lasting impact on the market.

Requirements

To excel in this role, you will bring:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees are a plus but not mandatory.
• Experience: 4–5+ years of hands-on experience in commercial development, with a strong preference for roles in Trade Marketing, Sales, Shopper Marketing, Category Management, or Marketing. Prior experience in the beverages, coffee, or FMCG sectors is highly advantageous.
• Analytical and Strategic Mindset: A proven ability to analyze complex data sets, including retail audits, market share trends, distribution data, and shopper insights. Your recommendations should be both insightful and actionable, driving measurable business outcomes.
• Communication and Collaboration: Exceptional communication skills to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively across all levels of the organization. Strong cross-functional collaboration skills to align teams and drive cohesive execution.
• Business Acumen: A demonstrated track record of delivering commercial performance and contributing to business growth. Your past successes should reflect your ability to turn strategic plans into tangible results.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and markets.

Preferred Profile

While not mandatory, candidates with experience in the following areas will be given special consideration:

• FMCG, beverages, or coffee industry
• Trade Marketing, Category Development, or Shopper Marketing
• E-commerce and digital commercial strategies
• Commercial planning and execution frameworks
• A deep understanding of Saudi market dynamics and consumer behavior

If you are a strategic commercial leader with a passion for coffee and a commitment to driving innovation, we invite you to apply and be part of our journey toward commercial excellence in Saudi Arabia.