SUHAIB NALAKATH
Dubai
Summary
Experienced Regional Manager with a strong track record of establishing and nurturing key business relationships across the HORECA and Food Service segments. Expert in identifying new opportunities, optimizing sales operations, and implementing market-driven strategies that enhance profitability. Recognized for turning underperforming accounts into major revenue sources through strategic engagement and tailored business solutions.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Sales Manager
Zee stores International LLC
04.2021 - Current
- Responsible for driving sales growth and managing key accounts across Dubai and Northern Emirates within the Food Service and HORECA sector.
- Developed and implemented regional sales strategies aligned with company objectives to achieve volume, revenue, and profitability targets.
- Identified and onboarded new clients, including cloud kitchens, catering companies, hotels, and restaurants, expanding market share and brand presence.
- Revived and retained previously inactive key accounts, transforming them into top revenue contributors through strategic relationship management.
- Spearheaded new market development initiatives and introduced high-demand product categories such as chilled meat and processed poultry, driving incremental revenue.
- Built a strong supplier network and deep market understanding to ensure consistent product availability, competitive pricing, and improved margins.
- Conducted business reviews with major clients to assess satisfaction, resolve issues, and explore upselling and cross-selling opportunities.
- Led, trained, and motivated a sales team to achieve performance and productivity goals, focusing on market expansion and revenue growth.
- Collaborated with supply chain, operations, and finance teams to ensure seamless order processing, timely collections, and efficient customer service.
- Secured and successfully executed major projects with organizations including the World Food Programme and the United Nations.
- Developed tailored product and marketing strategies, including launching a new company division with focused branding and outreach campaigns.
- Negotiated contracts and pricing to maximize profitability, monitored market trends and competitor activities, and implemented data-driven sales tracking for improved forecasting.
- Regularly exceeded monthly and quarterly sales targets through strategic planning, effective execution, and strong client relationship management.
- Represented the company at major industry events and exhibitions, enhancing brand visibility and generating new business opportunities.
Sales Manager
Eye Media
02.2020 - 07.2021
- Responsible for driving sales growth and managing client accounts across OOH (Out-of-Home) and outdoor advertising platforms, including billboards, transit, and digital screens.
- Developed and executed sales strategies to achieve revenue targets and maximize media space utilization.
- Identified and secured new business opportunities by targeting key industries such as FMCG, real estate, automotive, and retail.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with advertising agencies, marketing heads, and brand managers to ensure long-term partnerships.
- Created customized media solutions and proposals based on client marketing objectives and campaign budgets.
- Negotiated contracts, pricing, and advertising packages to optimize profitability while maintaining client satisfaction.
- Coordinated with operations and creative teams to ensure timely campaign execution and quality delivery.
- Monitored market trends, competitor activities, and client feedback to refine sales strategies and identify new opportunities.
Sales Manager
Awan Media International FZ LLC
04.2018 - 07.2019
- Generated AED 1 million in 8 months, launching operations from zero.
- Targeted direct clients and agencies with tailored marketing solutions and media packs.
- Trained and guided sales staff, supported deal closures, and ensured client satisfaction.
- Attended industry events, monitored market trends, and advised senior management strategically.
Business Development Manager
RTA smart shelter
04.2016 - 07.2017
- Generated over AED 1 million in 6 months by leasing ad space in bus shelters across Dubai.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with government entities, agencies, and private sector clients to ensure smooth collaboration and project success.
- Worked closely with RTA representatives to ensure compliance with project guidelines, advertising regulations, and branding standards.
- Negotiated contracts and pricing structures to optimize profitability while maintaining strong client satisfaction.
- Coordinated with operations, creative, and technical teams to ensure seamless installation, campaign execution, and system maintenance.
- Contributed to the development of innovative smart advertising solutions including digital screens, interactive kiosks, and data-driven ad targeting.
- Prepared and presented sales forecasts, performance reports, and revenue projections to senior management.
Key Account Manager
Right Angle Media FZ LLC
09.2008 - 07.2016
- Generated AED 200,000/month in stable income by acquiring high-value clients new to outdoor media.
- Led the direct sales department, ensuring client satisfaction and prompt resolution of service issues.
- Maintained market intelligence, managed operations in the absence of senior management, and regularly updated inventory and service records.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with advertising agencies, marketing heads, and brand managers to ensure long-term partnerships
- Coordinated with operations and creative teams to ensure timely campaign execution and quality delivery.
- Consistently exceeded monthly and quarterly sales targets through effective networking, client management, and strategic selling.
Marketing Team Leader
Asia Exchange Center
09.2005 - 07.2007
- Responsible for leading marketing and sales operations across multiple branches, driving revenue growth in foreign exchange, remittance, and value-added financial services.
- Developed and executed marketing strategies to increase customer acquisition, retention, and transaction volume.
- Built and managed strong relationships with corporate clients, high-value customers, and business partners to enhance service utilization.
- Identified and onboarded new B2B and B2C clients through targeted campaigns, partnerships, and referral programs.
- Conducted market research to identify emerging trends, competitor activities, and customer behavior to shape promotional strategies
- Coordinated with compliance and operations teams to ensure marketing and sales activities adhered to Central Bank and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing Management
05-2017
Diploma - Travel And Tourism Management
02-2004
Web Centric Computing - Web Centric Computing
08-2003
Pre Degree - Kerala
06-2000
Skills
- B2B Sales & Key Account Management
- Market Expansion & Territory Development
- Channel Development (Cloud Kitchens / HORECA / Catering / Hotels)
- Contract Negotiation & Pricing Strategy
- Client Relationship Management (CRM)
- New Product Launch & Category Development
- Revenue Growth & Profit Optimization
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Hindi
Proficient
C2
Malayalam
Proficient
C2
Urdu
Proficient
C2
Tamil
Upper Intermediate
B2
Hobbies and interests
- Reading
- Photography
- Travel
- Volunteering
- Sports
Timeline
Regional Sales Manager - Zee stores International LLC
04.2021 - Current
Sales Manager - Eye Media
02.2020 - 07.2021
Sales Manager - Awan Media International FZ LLC
04.2018 - 07.2019
Business Development Manager - RTA smart shelter
04.2016 - 07.2017
Key Account Manager - Right Angle Media FZ LLC
09.2008 - 07.2016
Marketing Team Leader - Asia Exchange Center
09.2005 - 07.2007
Annamalai University - Bachelor of Commerce , Marketing Management
School of Engineering - Diploma, Travel And Tourism Management
National Institution of Information And Technology - Web Centric Computing, Web Centric Computing
Calicut University - Pre Degree, Kerala