Head of Government Relations

Job description / Role

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group's entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

Overview of the role:
The Head of Government Relations plays a pivotal role in fostering and maintaining positive relationships between Al Futtaim Group and governmental bodies in Saudi Arabia. The role is to ensure compliance with regularity frameworks, driving advocacy initiatives and representing the company's interests in various government forums.

What you will do:
- Develop and nurture strong relationships with key government officials, agencies, and regulatory bodies
- Represent the organization in meetings, conferences, and forums with government stakeholders
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with key government authorities, such as labour offices and relationship with various embassies
- Act as the primary point of contact for management, offering expert guidance on government services and administration
- Formulate and implement strategies to advocate for the organization's interests in legislative and policy-making processes
- Develop and implement crisis management strategies related to government and regulatory affairs
- Act as the point of contact for government agencies during crisis situations
- Investigate any government fines or complaint issued against the business unit and set up correction actions to ensure the immediate compliance and waive the fines received.

Requirements

Required skills to be successful:
- Proven experience in government relations, administration, public affairs or a similar role
- In-depth knowledge of the specific government services and processes in Saudi Arabia, political landscape, and governmental structures including not limited to GOSI, Qiwa, Muqeem, Iqama, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and others
- Strong network of contacts within government agencies and relevant industry associations Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
- Strong Personal skills such as problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex government-related processes

About the Team:
This role will be reporting directly to the Managing Director - KSA and collaborate closely with internal departments, including Sales, Legal, Marketing and other department to ensure alignment in messaging and compliance with government regulations.

What equips you for the role:
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law or any related field. Advantage degree preferred
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with government agencies and internal stakeholders
- Strong understanding of applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines related to government entities and services

About Al-Futtaim Automotive:

A major division of the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group of companies, Al-Futtaim Automotive is an industry leader with presence in 10 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Our core business activities at Al-Futtaim Automotive include distribution, manufacturing, leasing and aftersales, and we are firmly established as the regional representative of some of the world's most iconic automotive brands: Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Volvo and RAM as well as EV brands.

We are driven by a customer-centric approach, constantly pushing the boundaries on innovation, quality standards, and value-added service across our vast universe of customers - right from motoring enthusiasts to fleet operators to contractors. Our mission is to become the leader in custom-made mobility solutions by delivering nothing less than world-class omni-channel experiences. We channel our local expertise and global trust to deliver one of the most comprehensive portfolios of mobility products and solutions, from passenger cars to SUVs, electric vehicles to high-performance motorbikes, commercial vehicles to industrial & construction equipment.

What keeps the company moving forward is a 9000-member strong team, with inspiring possibilities for growth, throughout the career path. This is Al-Futtaim Automotive and we empower talent to move forward.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.