The consumer goods landscape in the GCC is undergoing a seismic shift. Price sensitivity is at an all-time high. Margins are under immense pressure. Retailers are leaning hard into promotions, private labels, and discounting models. Amid this disruption, Trade Marketing is emerging as the critical function that can either preserve margin or fuel growth in a margin-thin environment.
This is not a time to stick to conventional ways of business.
What the Market Is Indicating Towards
- Discount-led consumption is rising: In markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, discounters and value retailers have increased their footprint by over 15% in the last two years. Consumers aren’t just looking for deals—they’re planning purchases around them.
- Promotional intensity is surging: More than 40% of FMCG sales in the region now occur under promotion. But not all promotions are profitable. Poorly executed trade spend is eroding margins without driving meaningful uplift.
- Retailers are becoming more powerful: Consolidation in modern trade and growing sophistication in retail analytics mean brands can no longer afford weak in-store execution or vague category strategies.
Trade Marketing: Not a Cake Walk Anymore
In this context, the Trade Marketing function is no longer just a “support” department. It is the engine room for revenue growth and margin defense.
Great Trade Marketers do more than run promotions. They:
- Translate brand strategies into retailer-ready plans that make commercial sense.
- Manage trade spend with precision, ensuring every penny works harder. For such roles, companies often rely on executive search services to find the right fit.
- Collaborate deeply with sales and key accounts to drive execution that wins at the shelf.
- Use data and category insights to influence in-store positioning, price ladders, and assortment decisions that directly impact conversion.
Put simply, they turn brand goals into actionable retail outcomes.
The Talent We Need Now
We are actively engaged in hiring Trade Marketing professionals across the GCC—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and beyond who understand that this role is about much more than POS materials and promotions.
We are looking for individuals who:
- Have hands-on experience with promo ROI analysis, JBP planning, and retailer negotiations.
- Know how to align marketing and sales strategies in high-pressure, price-driven environments. You can connect with us for contingency search HR services to find the perfect candidate for these roles.
- Can use syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, retail panel) to drive decisions—not just presentations.
- Have worked in or understand high-volume retail or discounter channels, where the fight for shopper attention is won in seconds.
A Call to Clients and Candidates
To clients: If you’re not investing in Trade Marketing talent or capability right now, you’re likely bleeding margin through ineffective trade spend or lost shelf impact. The difference between a good and great Trade Marketer is not incremental it’s exponential. Let’s talk about building that edge in your team. Consider reaching out for executive search services to make the right hire.
To professionals: If you’re a commercially driven Trade Marketing expert ready to solve real-world business challenges not just run campaigns we want to hear from you. The region is hungry for talent that can think like marketers and execute like sales leaders.
📩 Get in touch if you’re ready to hire or be hired for roles that truly drive performance in today’s market.
Let’s put Trade Marketing where it belongs at the heart of growth.
Email your CV to aishwarya@mindfieldresources.com
About Mindfield Resources
Mindfield Resources is a leading recruitment specialist in the Middle East, offering tailored services to FMCG, retail, and other industries looking to build effective, high-performing teams. With over two decades of experience in talent acquisition, they provide comprehensive contingency search HR services designed to support organisations in finding the right people for their needs. Their team brings deep market insight and a wide network to help clients build successful operations in diverse and emerging markets across the GCC.
Additionally, Mindfield Resources specialises in executive search and talent mapping, ensuring that the right leadership talent is identified and integrated into your business operations. With expertise in offering HR services in Dubai, they are well-positioned to guide businesses through the complexities of regional talent acquisition and market entry.
FAQs:
1. Why is Trade Marketing critical in the GCC market?
Trade Marketing is essential to drive growth and protect margins in a competitive, price-sensitive market. A well-executed Trade Marketing strategy ensures that promotions and trade spend work harder to support brand goals.
2. What skills are required for a career in Trade Marketing?
Candidates should have experience in promo ROI analysis, JBP planning, retailer negotiations, and using syndicated data to drive retail decisions. They should also be able to work under high pressure and understand retail and discounter channels.
3. How can companies benefit from hiring a Trade Marketing expert?
A skilled Trade Marketer can help optimize trade spend, improve shelf impact, and drive meaningful revenue growth through better execution of promotional strategies and in-store tactics.