Trade Marketing Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: B2B Trade Travel Marketing Director (Agency-Side)

🔹 Company: Burson

🔹 Location: United Arab Emirates - METIA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time (Hybrid)

🔹 Category: Public Relations and Communications Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing comprehensive B2B marketing strategies to drive visitation to Abu Dhabi through the travel trade.
• Serving as the primary point of contact for the client on all B2B trade marketing matters.
• Leading and managing a high-performing team dedicated to the account.
• Collaborating with local tourism stakeholders in Abu Dhabi to develop joint marketing programs.
• Conducting market research and analyzing sales data to optimize trade marketing strategies.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the global travel industry, exceptional client management skills, and a proven track record of success in developing and implementing effective trade marketing campaigns.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for the client, build and maintain a strong relationship, proactively anticipate client needs, manage expectations, and present campaign performance.

✅ Strategy Development & Execution: Collaborate with the client to develop and implement a comprehensive B2B trade marketing strategy, identify key target markets, oversee campaign development and execution, establish KPIs, and stay updated on industry trends.

✅ Team Leadership & Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, set clear goals, provide regular feedback, foster a collaborative work environment, and manage the trade marketing budget effectively.

✅ Content Development & Distribution: Oversee the development of compelling marketing materials for the travel trade, ensure alignment with the client's brand guidelines, and manage the distribution of materials through various channels.

✅ Market Research & Analysis: Conduct market research to identify key trends, opportunities, and challenges in the travel trade, analyze sales data and market intelligence, and monitor competitor activities.

✅ Collaboration: Work closely with other teams within the agency and local tourism stakeholders in Abu Dhabi to ensure integrated marketing campaigns and develop joint marketing programs.

ASSUMPTION: The role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to work independently, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills to manage client relationships and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in B2B marketing, with a focus on the travel industry, and a proven track record of success in developing and implementing effective trade marketing strategies on behalf of clients.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of the global travel industry, including travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers, and OTAs.
• Exceptional client management and communication skills.
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing and leading a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software.
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Fluency in English; Arabic language skills are an advantage.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with a destination marketing organization (DMO) or tourism board.
• Experience in digital marketing, including SEO, SEM, social media, and email marketing.
• Experience in event management, including trade shows, conferences, and FAM trips.
• Experience in budget management and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of the Abu Dhabi tourism market and its key attractions.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs for travel agents.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Experience with marketing automation tools.
• Data-driven decision-making approach.

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in marketing or business is preferred, Burson values relevant experience and transferable skills. Candidates with equivalent experience in a related field are encouraged to apply.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is AED 35,000 - 45,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on industry standards for a marketing director role in the United Arab Emirates with 10+ years of experience.

Benefits:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous vacation and sick leave policies.
• Employee assistance program.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship programs.
• Vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Packages designed to reward and retain top talent.

Working Hours: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with teams in the office around four days a week. Flexibility is available upon discussion with the hiring team during the interview process.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Burson offers a comprehensive benefits package to attract and retain top talent in the industry.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Burson is the global leader in communications, purpose-built to create value for its clients through reputation. It reinvents how reputation creates competitive advantage for its clients, so they can lead today and far into the future.

Company Size: Burson is a large company with 5,001-10,000 employees globally, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Burson was founded in 1996 and has since grown into a global communications leader, with a strong presence in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East.

Company Description:

• Burson is committed to delivering exceptional results for its clients by inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity.
• The company offers a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today’s leading brands.
• Burson invests in its people because it believes their success is the company’s success, offering robust benefits and people programs to support its employees’ growth and development.

Company Specialties:

• Public Relations and Communications Services
• Reputation Management
• Branding and Positioning
• Crisis Communications
• Digital and Social Media Strategy

Company Website: www.bursonglobal.com

ASSUMPTION: Burson's global presence and extensive industry experience make it an attractive employer for marketing professionals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and innovative environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, with significant responsibility for developing and executing comprehensive B2B marketing strategies and leading a high-performing team.

Reporting Structure: The B2B Trade Travel Marketing Director reports directly to the Account Lead and works closely with other teams within the agency and local tourism stakeholders in Abu Dhabi.

Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with teams in the office around four days a week. Flexibility is available upon discussion with the hiring team during the interview process.

Growth Opportunities:

• Burson offers professional development opportunities and mentorship programs to support employees' growth and advancement within the company.
• The company's global presence and diverse client portfolio provide ample opportunities for career progression and exposure to various industries and markets.
• As a large company, Burson offers numerous internal mobility opportunities, allowing employees to explore different roles and functions within the organization.

ASSUMPTION: The B2B Trade Travel Marketing Director role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the client's business and drive visitation to Abu Dhabi through the travel trade. This role also presents numerous growth and development opportunities within Burson's global organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Burson's office in the United Arab Emirates - METIA is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity, innovation, and productivity.

Office Location(s): United Arab Emirates - METIA

Geographic Context:

• The United Arab Emirates - METIA is a vibrant and multicultural city, offering a high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and a thriving business environment.
• The city is home to numerous multinational corporations and regional headquarters, providing ample networking and career advancement opportunities.
• The United Arab Emirates - METIA is well-connected by air, with direct flights to major cities worldwide, making it an ideal base for international travel.

Work Schedule: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with teams in the office around four days a week. The specific work schedule may vary depending on the employee's role and responsibilities.

ASSUMPTION: The United Arab Emirates - METIA offers an attractive work environment for marketing professionals, with a dynamic business ecosystem, excellent infrastructure, and a high quality of life.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the provided link.
• Phone or video screening to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications.
• In-depth behavioral and skills-based interviews with the hiring manager and other relevant stakeholders.
• Final round interviews, which may include case studies or presentations, to evaluate the candidate's strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Background check and reference checks for the successful candidate.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in developing and executing B2B marketing strategies.
• Exceptional client management and communication skills, with a proven track record of success in managing client relationships.
• Leadership and team management skills, with experience in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Industry knowledge and understanding of the global travel industry, including travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers, and OTAs.
• Analytical and data-driven decision-making skills, with experience in market research and data analysis.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your strategic thinking, client management, and leadership abilities.
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, client management experiences, and leadership style.
• Research Burson's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit and alignment with the organization's mission and vision.
• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the global travel industry and the specific challenges and opportunities facing the client's business in the Abu Dhabi tourism market.

ATS Keywords: B2B marketing, trade marketing, travel industry, client management, team leadership, market research, data analysis, strategy development, digital marketing, event management, Abu Dhabi tourism, destination marketing, travel trade, travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers, OTAs

ASSUMPTION: Burson's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for the role and the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot, HubSpot)
• Digital marketing tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush, Hootsuite)
• Event management software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite, Bizzabo)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)

ASSUMPTION: The B2B Trade Travel Marketing Director role requires proficiency in various marketing, project management, and digital tools to effectively manage campaigns, analyze data, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Inspire bold ideas
• Foster constructive dialogue
• Cultivate meaningful experiences
• Drive innovation and creativity
• Invest in our people
• Deliver exceptional results

Work Style:

• Collaborative and inclusive
• Dynamic and innovative
• Data-driven and strategic
• Client-focused and results-oriented
• Committed to professional development and growth

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with Burson's company values, particularly 'Inspire bold ideas' and 'Drive innovation and creativity'?
• How do you approach building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with clients and internal stakeholders, as exemplified by Burson's value 'Foster constructive dialogue'?
• How do you ensure that your work style is consistent with Burson's commitment to a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Burson's company culture is centered around inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity. Candidates who align with these values and work styles are more likely to succeed in the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role requires a deep understanding of the global travel industry and the specific challenges and opportunities facing the client's business in the Abu Dhabi tourism market.
• The B2B Trade Travel Marketing Director must effectively manage client relationships and balance the needs of the client with the agency's internal processes and resources.
• The role may require international travel to attend trade events, conferences, and FAM trips, which can be demanding and time-consuming.
• The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, as employees may need to be available for in-office collaboration and meetings on specific days of the week.

ASSUMPTION: The B2B Trade Travel Marketing Director role presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a strategic thinker with exceptional client management skills, a deep understanding of the global travel industry, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional marketing roles focused on consumer-facing campaigns, this role is specifically focused on B2B trade marketing, requiring a unique skill set and industry knowledge.
• The B2B Trade Travel Marketing Director role is more strategic in nature, with a focus on developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies to drive visitation to Abu Dhabi through the travel trade, rather than tactical execution of marketing campaigns.
• This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the client's business and drive visitation to Abu Dhabi, with numerous growth and development opportunities within Burson's global organization.

ASSUMPTION: The B2B Trade Travel Marketing Director role is distinct from other marketing roles, requiring a unique combination of strategic thinking, client management, and industry-specific knowledge to succeed in the position.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive B2B marketing strategy to drive visitation to Abu Dhabi through the travel trade, including digital marketing campaigns, print advertising, events, webinars, and training programs.
• Conducting market research to identify key trends, opportunities, and challenges in the travel trade, and analyzing sales data and market intelligence to optimize trade marketing strategies.
• Managing the development and distribution of compelling marketing materials for the travel trade, ensuring alignment with the client's brand guidelines and effectively communicating the unique value proposition of Abu Dhabi as a premier travel destination.

ASSUMPTION: The B2B Trade Travel Marketing Director role involves a wide range of projects, from strategic planning and execution to tactical implementation and analysis, requiring a diverse skill set and adaptability to different tasks and priorities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the most significant B2B marketing campaign you've led, and how you measured its success?
• How have you handled a situation where a client's expectations were not aligned with the agency's capabilities or resources?
• Can you walk me through your process for conducting market research and analyzing data to inform trade marketing strategies?
• How do you ensure that your team is engaged, motivated, and continuously developing their skills in a hybrid work environment?
• How have you approached building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders in a remote or hybrid work setting?

ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities it presents. This also allows you to assess the fit between your career goals and the organization's culture and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your strategic thinking, client management, and leadership abilities.
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, client management experiences, and leadership style.
• Research Burson's company culture and values to demonstrate your cultural fit and alignment with the organization's mission and vision.
• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the global travel industry and the specific challenges and opportunities facing the client's business in the Abu Dhabi tourism market.
• Follow up with the hiring team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application, if you have not heard back.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.