Country Director, (Based in Saudi Arabia)

Our Purpose – Bridging the World Through Travel

We believe travel allows people to enjoy, learn and experience more of the amazing world we live in. It brings individuals and cultures closer together, fostering empathy, understanding and happiness. We are a skillful, driven and diverse team from across the globe, united by a passion to make an impact. Harnessing our innovative technologies and strong partnerships, we aim to make travel easy and rewarding for everyone.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Country Director to lead and drive Agoda’s growth and operations across the Middle East and Africa region. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the MEA market, strong leadership skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders. The  Country Director will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to expand Agoda’s presence, optimize performance, and achieve business objectives in the region.

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive growth and market strategy, informed by market data, customer insights, and product capabilities.
• Identify market trends, opportunities, and structural challenges to shape both commercial priorities and product direction.
• Partner with global leadership to align regional strategy with Agoda’s long‑term vision, platform roadmap, and investment priorities.

Business Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners, including hotels, travel agencies, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Identify partnership opportunities that unlock new use cases, supply models, or customer segments.
• Negotiate strategic partnerships that enhance Agoda’s product offering, distribution, and competitive advantage.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities that translate into scalable product and revenue growth.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team across commercial, partnerships, and market functions.
• Create a culture that values strategic thinking, data‑driven decision‑making, and strong collaboration with product teams.
• Attract and retain top talent capable of operating at the intersection of growth, product, and execution.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee regional operations, ensuring efficient execution across partnerships, marketing, and product initiatives.
• Translate strategy into clear operating plans, milestones, and KPIs, tracking progress and course‑correcting when needed.
• Ensure operational readiness for new product launches, localization initiatives, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain compliance with local regulations and company policies.

Market Insights and Reporting

• Gather and synthesize market intelligence, customer feedback, and partner input to inform product localization and roadmap discussions.
• Act as the voice of the region in product planning and prioritization conversations.
• Provide senior leadership with clear insights on performance, product gaps, competitive risks, and growth opportunities.
• Prepare and present reports that connect market outcomes to strategic and product decisions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in a leadership role, preferably in the travel, hospitality, or e-commerce industry.
• Proven track record of driving business growth and achieving targets in the MEA region.
• Strong understanding of the Middle East and Africa markets, including cultural, economic, and regulatory nuances.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.

Why Join Agoda?

• Be part of a global, innovative, and fast-growing organization.
• Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
• Lead impactful projects that shape the future of travel in the MEA region.