Sales Director – Arabic Speaking

Job description / Role

Our client is a major contract catering and facilities management provider operating in the Middle East region employing over 20,000 people, offering tailor made service solutions for those working in extreme conditions in on- and off-shore locations.

Their activities also cover the Corporate Services, Healthcare, Education and Defence sectors.

For their operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), they are in need of an experienced Arabic speaking Sales Director. The position is permanent.

Reporting into the Country Managing Director, the successful candidate will be responsible for the development of their commercial activities through a strategic enhancement of their profile in both Foodservices and the FM market in Saudi Arabia.

The key objectives of this role are to research the industry and its potential, source and develop relationships with potential clients and partners and interact with our clients Sales and Operational teams to develop proposals for winning new business.

Specifically you will develop and implement a strategic plan to identify key areas of growth potential including identification, prospect qualification, organization survey, proposal development, proposal delivery and contract negotiation.
You will maintain awareness of industry, competition and market conditions and leverage current client relationships to develop new business opportunities.
You will lead the tender process for all opportunities including submissions, clarifications, presentations and award.
You will provide support to existing and new sites in terms of conceptual development, promotions, merchandising and marketing.
You will execute / follow appropriate recording / reporting procedures related to commercial activities.
You will establish and maintain a solid and mutually beneficial business relationship resulting in highest levels of client and customer satisfaction and account retention, and future business growth plans.
You will liaise with Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Human Resources throughout proposal process.
You will understand relevant political and legislative issues to establish / facilitate new business activity / renewal of contracts.
You will liaise with tenants of commercial properties.
You will manage and lead change to ensure minimum disruption to core activities.
You will market and manage the FM Offer to strict financial objectives, quality and standards.
You will take ownership for the business and suggest improvements which will result in increased income and/or reduced costs.
You will plan best allocation and utilisation of space and resources for new buildings, or re-organising current premises.
You will calculate and compare costs for required goods or services.
You will check that agreed work by staff or contractors has been completed satisfactorily and following up on any deficiencies.
You will liaise with and report to Country MD and Regional Sales Director and will maintain Company standards on the specialist segments such as catering, maintenance and cleaning.
You will direct and plan essential central services such as reception, security, maintenance, mail, archiving, cleaning, catering, waste disposal and recycling.
You will investigate availability and suitability of options for new (business) purchases that fit into Company business and strategic models.
You will respond appropriately to new contract/client emergencies or urgent issues as they arise.
Using performance management techniques you will monitor and demonstrate achievement of agreed service levels (SLA’s) and to lead on improvement.
Finally you will co-ordinate with the QHSE Department all aspects of Health and Safety and Fire Safety, etc. in the area of responsibility relevant to bids/tenders.

Requirements

To succeed in this high profile role you will need energy, pace and outstanding communication and presentational skills.

A proved track record in winning new business and managing sales teams in the contract catering, hospitality and facilities management sectors is ideal but our client will consider candidates from food retail, FMCG, event catering, hotels or logistics sectors.

You must have GCC country experience and international experience.

You will have a University degree in Business Management and/or Hotel, Catering Management or higher.

You will have strong client relations and PR skills supported by excellent communication and presentation skills.

You will have previous experience in dealing with major and medium sized private companies and Government agencies.

You will have experience of the life cycle of a contract from tendering/bidding, costing, lobbying, mobilization to demobilization and beyond.

You should have exposure to operational responsibilities with P&L accountability and budgeting experience.

You should have knowledge of ISO Quality System standards (ISO 9001:2008, ISO14001, ISO 22000:2005, ISO18001), QHSE international.

Being familiar with Government lobbying in GCC will be an advantage.

Real Estate knowledge and Building/Facilities Maintenance experience is also a plus.

Projecting a high degree of professionalism, you will display the confidence needed to influence and win people over at board level.

Above all, you will possess a real desire to succeed, excelling in leading and coaching high performing teams.

Ambitious, enthusiastic and passionate with strong work ethic, you will thrive on change and will enjoy working in an environment with a growth agenda.

You should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Arabic, be able to adapt to rapid changes in a positive manner and work to tight deadlines.

Superb inter-personal skills and instant credibility are essential as you will be inter-facing with a number of people from different backgrounds, nationalities and religions.

You will be resourceful with a flexible outlook, have the ability to multi-task in order to handle competing priorities and be able to fit in to an international dynamic and multi-cultural environment.

A full driving licence is a prerequisite and you must be PC / IT literate.

Basic salary is negotiable and will be around 300,000 – 360,000 SARS, per annum possibly more for a truly outstanding candidate.

In addition there is a bonus scheme, housing allowance, company car or car allowance, schools allowance, 25 days holiday and Medical / Healthcare provision. In addition there will be a relocation allowance and you will receive one free flight back to your home base each year. Mobilization and de- mobilization flights are also paid for by the client.

About the Company

RPC International Recruitment is an international technical recruitment consultancy and in addition to its core strength of managing logistics and supply chain assignments worldwide, now focuses on the additional sectors of facilities management, catering and life support services, military and defence support services, aviation, security, IT and telecoms, retail and wholesale, fuel supply and distribution, engineering and construction including oil and gas.