Tourism Manager - Marketing

Job description / Role

Responsible for overseeing development marketing activities in the portfolio. Working with Head Office Marketing to develop and implement strategic and comprehensive Development Marketing Plans and long term strategies for new and existing centres under development; Including establishing and building relationships with key tour operators/companies, hotels, media, government, agencies, community groups and schools, and other relevant businesses in the marketplace.

Ensuring measurable objectives are set and met. Also responsible for formulating and implementing marketing events related to development launches, press conferences, site tours, grand opening ceremonies, etc.

Assist in the creation of a Development Marketing Plan and Budget for each centre under development; which clearly outlines measurable objectives, strategies, and tactics for the upcoming year in keeping with the overall centre and MAFP- SM Marketing and Leasing goals.

- Plan and implement tactical initiatives and activities in relation to the Annual Plan and Budget
- Oversee all marketing related activities which include; tourism, public relations, advertising, exhibits, special events, etc
- Initiate and oversee any pre-opening research activities as required
- Continually evaluate the competition and market conditions in order to ensure the new or expanding centre is effectively pre-positioned in relation to the competition, market demographics, and merchandise mix (product offering)
- Develop a comprehensive brand strategy, logo identification and visual guidelines to ensure the brand for the centre is reinforced across all marketing and leasing applications
- Develop a cost effective / efficient trade media strategy which will include quantifiable / measurable results and will aim to reach a “qualified b-to-b demographic” in relation to leasing prospects and in keeping with the overall marketing goals
- Prepare budget and provide strict governance over financial monitoring and control for contractual agreements and costs in relation to development marketing; provide detailed monthly analysis
- Maximize the performance of advertising, PR agencies through ongoing monthly monitoring
- Work to build positive relations with the retailers; ensuring relevant and appropriate programs are implemented to enable them to increase their PR exposure pre-opening and grand opening.
- Assist in the creation of a Development Marketing Plan and Budget for each centre under development; which clearly outlines measurable objectives, strategies, and tactics for the upcoming year in keeping with the overall centre and MAFP- SM Marketing and Leasing goals
- Work closely with the Head Office Marketing / Corporate Communications to ensure a comprehensive PR Plan can be achieved, in keeping with the overall goals of the centre
- Plan and organize related Retailer (pre-opening) Meetings, assist with Customer Service Training (pre-opening), Tenant Communications (such as one-on-one meetings, group meetings, category meetings, newsletters, email drops, procedures manuals etc)
- Assist with agency brief proposals and selections for centre (brand agency, ad agency, media buying agency, website agency, PR agency as required)
- Assist with brief proposals for any and all capex items such as seasonal and promotional décor for new centres; ensuring cost effectiveness
- Organize display booths and materials for any exhibitions or trade shows (pre-opening)
- Develop a website (pre-opening) to assist with the leasing process and increase exposure of the centre
- Assist in development of Powerpoint presentations and other tools to assist leasing process
- Develop hoarding design and graphics programs for construction sites (for centres under development or expanding)
- Assist Leasing and support their efforts to effectively lease the centre
- Work closely with Head Office Marketing to ensure programs meet overall MAFP SM strategies and maintain an international standard
- Assist with the development and successful implementation of Grand Openings for new and expanding centres.
- Identify and grow key marketplace relationships prior to opening that will extend beyond the opening. Example: to initiate the communication strategies for the centre as a whole; seeking cross promotional opportunities and advertising synergy where possible between and amongst retailers, tour operators, hotels, leisure and entertainment components, etc. example for Grand Opening events.
- To establish key community and touristic initiatives group strategies/agreements that can be adapted and integrated into other operating centres’ annual Marketing Plans in their respective markets; specifically to explore and build in-roads with key tourism related operators, establish key hotels listings/contacts for each property and coordinate shuttle buses, explore key media channels and cross company/promotional links with key touristic landmarks/government entities/trade and convention organizers etc with the primary goal - to identify key markets, strategic touristic partners and grow tourist traffic for our assets.

Requirements

- Should possess a University Degree
- Should have 5+ years experience in Shopping Centre Marketing ,Public Relations, Media and/or Management, and tourism.
- Should have min. 2yrs working in relevant marketing role and ideally possess regional experience.

Other Requirements:
- Must be experienced in event planning and management.
- Must possess excellent communications skills (in both English and Arabic).
- Must set strategic objectives & achieve high international standards with regard to shopping centre industry.
- Must be a team player and be able to work with all levels of management.
- Must be able to work with retailers & provide possible co-marketing opportunities.
- Should have ability to formulate marketing strategies, analyze research and assist in identifying markets for potential business ventures and develop business plans.
- Should be self-motivated with an assertive and a positive attitude towards sales/leasing and marketing.
- Can take and accept full responsibility with the ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
- Highly organized combined with the ability to trouble shoot and think out of the box for “problem solving.
- Ability to organize events with attention to detail and budget control; and to meet deadlines.
- Must possess excellent computer/digital skills.
- May be required to travel across the region and make regular visits to centres under construction/sites.

About the Company

Majid Al Futtaim Properties is one of MENAs leading diversified property companies with operations across shopping malls, hotels and mixed-use communities.

The Shopping Malls Business Unit, an industry leader, owns, manages and develops mall destinations that provide memorable shopping, entertainment and social experiences for its customers. Majid Al Futtaim Properties has pioneered the regional face of retail, leisure and entertainment, since the launch of its first mall, Deira City Centre in 1995. The companys mall portfolio includes 17 shopping centres across UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt and Lebanon with a combined gross leasable area (GLA) of over 1 million sqm, more than 2,800 tenants and an increasing footfall of over 160 million visitors in 2013.

The Hotel Business Unit develops and manages hotels and branded serviced apartments that are synergistic with the companys malls. Majid Al Futtaim owns nine hotels in the UAE and two in Bahrain. Their strategic proximity to the malls contributes to welcoming over 1.2 million guests annually.

The Communities Business Unit develops quality mixed-use projects anchored by residential housing. Majid Al Futtaim currently has three communities under development. The Wave, a joint venture with the government of Oman to develop Muscats largest ocean-front integrated community; Al Zahia, a joint venture with the Government of Sharjah, to build the Emirates first gated residential community with a regional mall in a prime growth corridor; The 250,000 sqm Waterfront City development in Beirut, Lebanon, a joint venture with Socit Joseph Khoury & Fils Holding SAL to build Beiruts premier mixed used community with one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean.

Majid Al Futtaim Properties is recognised as a sustainability leader in the MENA region. According to the 2013 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) survey, the company ranks No. 1 in MENA, second in the Asia-Pacific region and in the top 133 property businesses worldwide. In 2013, Majid Al Futtaim launched its new five-year sustainability strategy with the vision to enhance peoples lives through sustainable real estate. This commitment is reflected in Majid Al Futtaim Properties pioneering standards, prosperous communities and high performance assets.