GCC Marketing Director

About the role

Food People is looking for an experienced Group Marketing Director (open to senior directors through CMO level) to join a hospitality group based in the GCC. The role leads the marketing creative strategy across the region and sets the group as a regional trendsetter, turning local consumer insight into brand positioning, brand stories and revenue-generating campaigns.

Key responsibilities

• Build and lead the GCC marketing strategy and annual plan, with local strategies for the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman
• Shape brand positioning and messaging for Gulf and Arab consumers, with bilingual (Arabic/English) content and campaigns
• Plan and deliver key seasonal campaigns, including Ramadan, Eid, National Days and the regional festive and tourism calendars
• Lead digital and performance marketing across the region's main social platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat), influencer partnerships and delivery-platform marketing
• Analyse and track marketing performance metrics, using consumer and market insight from across the region to guide decisions
• Work with internal teams, agencies, franchise and retail partners, landlords and media across the GCC
• Own the regional marketing budget and show ROI by market and by campaign
• Build, lead and develop a high-performing regional marketing team

Required profile

• Proven track record of marketing to GCC/Arab consumers as a core market, now or in the past, ideally in F&B, hospitality or a GCC-specific consumer brand
• Strong understanding of Gulf consumer behaviour, cultural nuances and the regional media and influencer landscape
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills

Required skills

• Arabic fluency is a strong advantage
• Digital and performance marketing, social media and influencer marketing