Sales & Vendor Partnerships Lead

About the Role
We are seeking a commercially driven and highly connected Sales & Vendor Partnerships Lead to identify, source, attract, and secure high-quality vendors and business partners for our premium retail, dining, and entertainment offerings. The successful candidate will be responsible for researching and developing relationships with established Saudi businesses, emerging entrepreneurs, independent brands, artisans, and specialty retailers. A key objective of this position is to champion Saudi entrepreneurship, showcase local craftsmanship, and provide a platform for homegrown brands to reach a premium audience.
The role requires a strong combination of business development, market research, sales, vendor procurement, and commercial negotiation skills. The candidate will be responsible for managing the entire vendor acquisition process, from identifying potential businesses and assessing their suitability to negotiating commercial agreements and coordinating onboarding.

Key Responsibilities

1. Vendor Sourcing & Market Research

   • Conduct comprehensive market research to identify premium Saudi-owned businesses, independent brands, entrepreneurs, artisans, and specialty vendors.
   • Build and maintain a strong pipeline of potential vendors across retail, fashion, accessories, beauty, lifestyle, gifting, specialty food, F&B, and experiential concepts.
   • Identify emerging Saudi brands, unique products, and innovative business concepts that align with premium customer experiences.
   • Research local markets, exhibitions, trade shows, business networks, social media, and entrepreneurial communities to discover potential partners.
   • Identify market opportunities and recommend concepts that enhance the overall customer experience.

2. Vendor Acquisition & Business Development

   • Proactively approach, pitch, and secure suitable vendors and commercial partners.
   • Present business opportunities, commercial propositions, and partnership benefits to prospective businesses.
   • Develop and maintain strong relationships with Saudi entrepreneurs, business owners, established brands, and potential commercial partners.
   • Lead commercial discussions, negotiate rental agreements, and secure vendor commitments.
   • Manage the sales pipeline from initial contact through to agreement execution.
   • Achieve agreed vendor acquisition targets and commercial deadlines.

3. Vendor Screening & Selection

   • Evaluate prospective vendors based on brand positioning, product quality, uniqueness, customer appeal, and commercial viability.
   • Assess each business's operational capabilities, financial stability, reputation, and readiness to operate within a premium environment.
   • Ensure proposed vendors align with required quality standards, brand positioning, and customer expectations.
   • Present shortlisted vendors and recommendations to management for approval.
   • Maintain a balanced and complementary vendor portfolio, avoiding unnecessary duplication of products or concepts.

4. Commercial Management

   • Develop an understanding of rental structures, commercial terms, and vendor partnership models.
   • Negotiate rental rates, contract terms, and other commercial arrangements within approved guidelines.
   • Monitor sales conversion, occupancy, and vendor acquisition performance.
   • Maintain accurate records of prospects, negotiations, agreements, and vendor information.
   • Provide regular sales pipeline reports, market insights, and commercial updates to management.

5. Vendor Onboarding & Relationship Management

   • Coordinate with operations, marketing, design, and management teams to facilitate vendor onboarding.
   • Ensure vendors understand operational requirements, brand standards, and commercial expectations.
   • Work closely with vendors to ensure their products, presentation, and customer experience meet required standards.
   • Maintain ongoing relationships with vendors, identifying opportunities for future collaborations and business development.
   • Act as the primary commercial point of contact for assigned vendor partnerships.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, Hospitality, or a related field preferred.
• 4–6 years of experience in sales, business development, commercial leasing, retail partnerships, or vendor acquisition.
• Proven experience sourcing and securing business partnerships, vendors, or commercial tenants.
• Strong knowledge of the Saudi retail, lifestyle, F&B, and entrepreneurial landscape.
• An established network of contacts within the Saudi business community would be highly advantageous.
• Experience working with premium, luxury or lifestyle brands is preferred.
• Strong commercial negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent research, analytical, and organisational capabilities.
• Ability to independently manage a sales pipeline and deliver against commercial targets.
• Fluent English; Arabic is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary packages – aligned with market standards and experience.
• Visa (1 year temp) & Flights into the country for non-citizens.
• Accommodation.
• Transportation Allowance.
• Career development & Internal promotions – grow with us across departments and seasons.
• Creative & collaborative work culture – built on passion, innovation, and attention to detail.
• Exposure to high-end hospitality & entertainment concepts – gain experience in premium F&B and entertainment.
• Experience working on premium events within The Groves, Riyadh Season.
• Cultural diversity – join a team of passionate professionals from around the world.