CNN Content Sales & Strategic Partnership Sr Manager, Middle East & Africa, Doha based

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PLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE WILL BE BASED IN DOHA, QATAR

About CNN International Commercial

CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) is responsible for the business operations of CNN’s properties outside of the United States. All commercial activities for brands such as CNN International, CNN en Español, CNN Arabic, CNN Academy are aligned within the division. This encompasses the advertising sales, sponsorship partnerships, commercial content development, content sales, brand licensing, distribution and out-of-home operations, business development and marketing for the world’s leading international news provider.

The Content Sales & Strategic Partnerships team provides content and services to broadcasters and web publishers across the globe. This division is also responsible for the development and supervision of strategic partnerships including branded channels (e.g., CNN Greece, CNN Prima, CNN Turk, CNN Portugal, etc) and innovative commercial partnerships

The team is also responsible for expanding the footprint of CNN Academy by signing commercial deals with universities, foundations and various institutions.

EMEA is a key market for CNN International Commercial and generates a third of the Content Sales & Strategic Partnerships global revenue, as well as significant distribution revenues for CNN.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Sales Manager to lead our sales initiatives across Middle East and Africa. Reporting to the Senior Director Content Sales & Licensing EMEA-India, the Senior Manager will be responsible for identifying and securing revenue opportunities in the Middle East and Africa, growing the commercial business portfolio and nurturing strong relationships with current clients. The Senior Manager will be working closely with the wider team and internal stakeholders (Product, Legal, Finance departments, and other regional Sales Heads).

Areas of Responsibility

• Sales Strategy Development: Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies tailored to the diverse markets across Middle East and Africa, focusing on both short-term revenue goals and long-term growth.
• Sales Generation: Drive the generation of new sales opportunities through proactive outreach, networking, and leveraging existing relationships to expand the client base, in all aspects of the business portfolio: Content, Academy, branded partnerships
• Client Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and industry partners at the most senior levels, ensuring a deep understanding of their needs and objectives.
• Pitching, negotiation and delivery: Lead the pitching and negotiation process with clients, ensuring successful delivery of revenue targets through effective deal closure and relationship management.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with internal teams and departments, including Advertising Sales, to align strategies and drive cohesive business initiatives.
  
  

Selection Criteria

• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field;
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in media sales, with a strong focus on the Middle Eastern or African market; Great relationships / contacts and networks in the region.
• Knowledge: Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets; Demonstrated a proven record of success building large commercial partnerships;
• Experience: Deep understanding of cultural dynamics and business practices across different regions in the Middle East and Africa, enabling effective engagement with diverse audiences and stakeholders;
• Communication: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills;
• Self-Management: self-motivation and accountability;
• Skill: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing market conditions.
• Ability to travel – sometimes at short notice
• Language: Arabic and additional European languages a plus
  
  

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

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