Zayed National Museum is located at the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi. The national museum of the United Arab Emirates celebrates the rich history, culture and stories of its people from ancient times to modern day. It tells the story of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose enduring example still guides the nation and its people today.

Through its exhibitions, research and public programmes, Zayed National Museum explores the origins of Sheikh Zayed’s values and their lasting influence on the country he founded. Renowned for his wisdom and humility, his life was defined by his deep devotion to his Islamic faith, determined leadership and unshakeable belief in the power of unity. The museum celebrates his timeless values and his unwavering commitment to openness, knowledge and education, all embedded within a deep understanding of Emirati culture and history.

As a cultural institution dedicated to knowledge and inclusive public engagement, Zayed National Museum builds on the long-standing role of the UAE as a global meeting place and a vibrant centre for the exchange of ideas. It aims to provide visitors with a welcoming, informative and unique experience that honours the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and his lifelong commitment to preserving the rich culture and heritage of the UAE and its people.

Job Purpose

The Sales and Retails Section Head has responsibility for leading the museum's retail activities to maximise visitor satisfaction and develop deal structures that enhances the museum revenue opportunities, including the selection of and deal structure with an external retail service provider, the product portfolio, pricing propositions as well developing and managing B2B relationships to build and maximise visitation through hotels, cruises, DMCs (Destination Management Companies), MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions) and OTAs (Online Travel Agents). Manage the activities of the retail operations service provider and ensure the quality and performance of services are in line with Zayed National Museum standards.

Responsibilities

Pre-Opening

• Work with the department director and the Department of Culture and tourism B2B & retail teams to establish the retail function and determine the first-year priorities for the retail team.
• Select an external retail operations service provider.
• Oversee the preparation the retail spaces for the opening of Zayed National Museum.
• Work with the marketing team to ensure the design and delivery of ZNM branded products in time for opening.
• Work with the marketing team and the digital & technology team to ensure the development and delivery of an online shop for the museum in advance of opening.
• Oversee the recruitment and training of retail staff by the provider, ensuring adherence to museum visitor experience standards.

Ongoing

• Work with the department director to develop and implement the buying policy and procedures including use of reputable suppliers, local and regional craft traditions, and suitable stock list.
• Analyse sales across the museum and assess the performance of all commercial offerings.
• Design new product offerings (e.g. admission + F&B, admission + events, etc.)
• Working with the the Department of Culture and tourism B2B Sales develop the B2B pricing and promotional strategy, defining the discount brackets and ensure alignment with other Cultural Institutions under the Department of Culture and tourism.
• Design the B2B sales ‘concept sell’ for the Museum and manage the B2B sales process directly with DMCs, hotel, MICE, OTAs, cruises, etc.
• Input to the Department of Culture and tourism -wide development of the sales management and approval SOP to guide the relationship and processes between the different museums and the centralised sales team.
• Work with the marketing and digital & technology teams to ensure functioning and update of the museum online shops including product updates, promotions and new product ranges are added.
• Liaise with the external retail operations service provider to ensure stock levels in the stock room and the shop are controlled.
• Implement checking processes for all deliveries from the warehouse identifying any anomalies and informing the procurement team.
• Work with various stakeholders to secure partnerships and agreements.
• Advertise and activate sales promotions across different platforms online & offline
• Define & plan the sales strategy needed for the venue.

Required Education / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject or equivalent e.g. marketing or business studies.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of retail management experience in an environment requiring a high level of customer service museum, cultural institution, airport or luxury shopping environment or large leisure attraction.
• Experience of developing or contributing to sales strategies.
• Experience of managing third- party contractors.
• Knowledge of excellent customer service and visitor needs.
• Advanced level of point of sale software, sales analysis reporting, Microsoft Excel knowledge to review sales performance in retail space.
• Knowledge of the local market and customer expectation in the UAE.
• Fluency in Arabic & English.