Business Development Manager, Food Service – Sharjah

Are you a proven business development or commercial professional ready to progress your career with a leading global dairy company? Join us at Arla Foods and be part of a team dedicated to driving growth and building strong relationships with key clients!

You will join our UAE foodservice team and work closely with cross-functional departments and distributors to develop and execute our foodservice strategy in the tea shop, QSR and cafeteria channels. The position reports into the Head of Foodservice in our UAE Sharjah Office.

Read more about our part of the business here: Inside Arla | Arla.

How you will make an impact 

In this position, you will be responsible for cultivating and enhancing strategic partnerships with foodservice distributors. Leading and optimising sales strategies, including promotional activities, conducting performance analyses, and identifying opportunities to grow distribution channels through joint business planning and targeted strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with distributors in the tea shop, QSR, and cafeteria channels to enhance relationships and optimize performance.
• Develop and execute strategies for penetrating new markets and expanding existing ones.
• Work on crafting and negotiating business development agreements and joint business plans with distributors.
• Conduct regular sales analysis to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
• Provide training and support to distributors to ensure alignment with company standards and objectives.
• Develop KPIs and monitor distributor performance to ensure targets are met or exceeded.
• Perform market research to identify potential areas for expansion and new partnership opportunities.
• Coordinate promotional activities and campaigns to support distributor sales efforts.

Competencies we are looking for:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the foodservice industry, with proven expertise in distributor management.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans for market penetration and business growth.
• Strong negotiation skills with experience in drafting agreements and joint business plans.
• Proficient in sales analysis and market research to drive informed decision-making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with distributors and internal teams.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide distributor partners towards achieving business objectives.

What will make you successful 

To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will bring a strategic, solution-driven mindset, approaching challenges with a proactive and forward-thinking attitude. Strong communication skills are essential—not only to inspire and guide a team, but also to foster alignment across departments. Transparency and a collaborative spirit are equally important, as this role demands a true team player who can build trust and drive shared success. In a data-led environment, being data savvy is crucial to make informed decisions, optimize performance, and contribute meaningfully to the broader commercial strategy.

What do we offer? 

At Arla, we’re committed to professional development and promoting from within. Our positive and collaborative culture will bring out the best in you. You will join a market leader producing nutritious household-favorite brands while contributing to sustainable practices that benefit our customers, farmers, and the planet.

Would you like to join us? 

If you want to be part of a dynamic team and help shape the future of dairy, seize this exciting opportunity! Please apply as soon as possible, as we will process applications continuously and close recruitment once the right candidate is found.

Shape the Future of Dairy 

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We’re passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future.

We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.