Business Development Manager – QSR (Traditional Saudi Cuisine)

We are a rapidly expanding Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) company dedicated to serving authentic Saudi Arabian cuisine, with a focus on traditional chicken and rice dishes. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, culturally rooted meals while pioneering growth across Saudi Arabia. As we scale, we seek a dynamic, bilingual Business Development Manager to drive our expansion and strengthen our market presence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Location Scouting & Market Expansion
   - Identify and evaluate prime locations for new outlets in Riyadh and other regions, leveraging acute knowledge of local demographics, foot traffic, and competitive landscapes.
   - Conduct feasibility studies, negotiate lease agreements, and collaborate with real estate agents and landlords.
   - Develop a pipeline of high-potential sites aligned with the company’s growth strategy.
2. Partnership Management with Food Aggregators
   - Establish and maintain relationships with key food delivery platforms (e.g., HungerStation, Jahez, Talabat) to optimize brand visibility and sales.
   - Negotiate commercial terms, commission rates, and promotional campaigns to drive online orders.
   - Monitor aggregator performance and implement strategies to enhance delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction.
3. Corporate Business Development
   - Secure corporate catering contracts, bulk orders, and partnerships with businesses, government entities, and event organizers.
   - Design tailored proposals to meet corporate client needs and foster long-term relationships.
4. Market Intelligence & Strategy
   - Analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor activity to inform expansion strategies.
   - Provide actionable insights to senior leadership on emerging opportunities in Riyadh and other regions.
5. Stakeholder Networking
   - Leverage an existing network of contacts in Saudi Arabia’s F&B, real estate, and corporate sectors to unlock growth opportunities.
   - Attend industry events and build relationships with key influencers and decision-makers.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
   - Work closely with Marketing, Operations, and Finance teams to ensure seamless execution of new site launches and partnerships.

Qualifications

• - Language: Fluent in English and Arabic (written and spoken).
• - Experience: Minimum 5 years in business development, sales, or market expansion within Saudi Arabia’s Food & Beverage industry.
• - Market Expertise: Deep understanding of Riyadh’s QSR landscape and proven success in identifying high-traffic locations.
• - Network: Established connections with real estate agents, food aggregators, and corporate clients across Saudi regions.
• - Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field.
• - Skills:
  • - Strategic thinker with strong negotiation and analytical abilities.
  • - Proficiency in CRM tools and data analysis software.
  • - Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel domestically.

Preferred:

• - Certification in real estate, sales, or supply chain management.
• - Experience in franchise development or multi-unit QSR operations.

Skills

1. Industry Knowledge:
   • Understanding of Traditional Saudi Cuisine: Knowledge of the unique dishes, flavors, and culinary traditions in Saudi Arabia.
   • QSR Market Dynamics: Deep understanding of the QSR sector, including trends, consumer behavior, and competition in the region.
   • Cultural Sensitivity: Appreciation and understanding of the local culture, preferences, and food consumption habits of Saudi customers.
2. Business Development Skills:
   • Market Analysis: Ability to assess market conditions and identify new opportunities for growth in the QSR sector, especially within traditional Saudi cuisine.
   • Strategic Planning: Developing long-term business strategies, including market expansion, branding, and positioning.
   • Partnership Development: Building and nurturing relationships with suppliers, partners, and key stakeholders, including local and international suppliers of ingredients for traditional Saudi dishes.
3. Sales & Marketing Expertise:
   • Branding & Promotion: Creating and executing campaigns that promote traditional Saudi cuisine to a broad audience, with an understanding of digital and traditional marketing strategies.
   • Sales Growth: Experience in driving sales and profitability through targeted business strategies, promotions, and menu innovation.
   • Customer Acquisition & Retention: Creating strategies for both attracting new customers and retaining existing ones through loyalty programs, special offers, or creating memorable dining experiences.
4. Operational Management:
   • Supply Chain & Logistics: Understanding the logistics and supply chain necessary to maintain consistency in food quality and inventory management for traditional dishes.
   • Cost Management: Managing budgets, food cost control, and profitability to ensure efficient operations and growth.
   • Quality Control: Maintaining high-quality standards in food preparation, service, and hygiene to meet customer expectations.
5. Leadership & Team Management:
   • Leadership & Team Building: Experience in managing, motivating, and training teams to achieve business goals.
   • Conflict Resolution: Handling disputes or issues among staff, suppliers, or customers in a constructive manner.
   • Performance Monitoring: Tracking KPIs, setting goals, and providing feedback to enhance team performance.
6. Financial Acumen:
   • Budgeting & Forecasting: Managing financial forecasts and budgets, ensuring sustainable profitability in line with company objectives.
   • P&L Management: Understanding profit and loss statements and making data-driven decisions to improve financial outcomes.
7. Networking & Relationship Management:
   • Networking Skills: Building relationships with key industry stakeholders, including suppliers, franchisees, and investors.
   • Public Relations: Representing the brand to media, stakeholders, and other external parties, maintaining a positive public image.
8. Technology Proficiency:
   • POS & Ordering Systems: Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and online ordering platforms for QSRs.
   • CRM Systems: Utilizing customer relationship management systems to track customer feedback, preferences, and sales trends.
   • Data Analysis: Using data to drive decisions regarding customer behavior, menu performance, and operational efficiency.
9. Entrepreneurial Mindset:
   • Innovation: Ability to think creatively about menu expansion or adapting traditional dishes for modern tastes, while maintaining authenticity.
   • Risk Management: Understanding and mitigating potential business risks associated with expansion, operations, or product changes.
10. Communication Skills:
    • Effective Communication: Clear and persuasive communication with customers, internal teams, and external stakeholders.
    • Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate contracts, supplier agreements, and franchise deals effectively.