Job Requisition ID: 164872
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 A”rab 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 organisation 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.
We are currently seeking an experienced Government Relations professional to join our Group legal team in the capacity of Corporate Registration Manager.
Overview of the role
The role will primarily support the Government Relations (GR) and Corporate Registration (CR) functions in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. This includes providing corporate registration assistance to key stakeholders across various business functions and strategic initiatives, as well as day-to-day operational activities. Additionally, the role will hold signatory rights within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for all business divisions, including automotive, engineering, healthcare, and other sectors. The individual will serve as the official representative of the group within the country, ensuring compliance and alignment with all regulatory and governmental requirements.
What you will do
Government Relations and Compliance:
- Establish and maintain effective communication channels with key government entities, including the Ministry of Commerce, Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), the General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT), and other regulatory bodies.
- Represent the group in official meetings and discussions with government authorities, addressing regulatory requirements and securing necessary approvals for business operations.
- Monitor changes in local regulations, policies, and governmental procedures, providing timely updates to internal stakeholders and implementing necessary compliance measures.
- Coordinate with the Government Relations (GR) team to handle escalated cases, ensuring smooth interactions with authorities and timely resolution of issues affecting business activities.
Licenses, Permits, and Compliance Records:
- Ensure all business divisions possess the required licenses and permits to operate within Saudi Arabia, coordinating the renewal processes and updating relevant databases accordingly.
- Conduct regular audits of compliance records, identifying potential gaps and recommending corrective actions to senior management to mitigate risks.
- Maintain an organized record of all licenses, permits, and compliance certificates, ensuring easy retrieval and timely renewals.
Support and Advisory Role:
- Act as an advisor to business units and senior leadership on matters related to corporate registration, government regulations, and trademark management.
- Provide training and support to internal teams on regulatory compliance procedures, data management practices, and trademark registration protocols.
Corporate Database Management:
- Develop and maintain a centralized digital database for all corporate registration (CR) records, licenses, permits, and government-related documents, ensuring accessibility, accuracy, and security.
- Regularly update the database to reflect any changes in corporate structure, business licenses, or trademark registrations, and generate periodic reports for senior management.
Trademark (TM) Registration and Management:
- Oversee and manage the registration, renewal, and protection of all group trademarks (TMs) within Saudi Arabia, ensuring full compliance with national regulations.
- Maintain an accurate and up-to-date database of all trademarks registered under the group, including renewals, deadlines, and relevant documentation
Required skills to be successful
- Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of Saudi Arabian regulatory frameworks, corporate laws, trademark regulations, and compliance requirements.
- Communication and Negotiation: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with government officials, internal stakeholders, and external partners.
- Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail, particularly in managing corporate records, trademark documentation, and regulatory filings.
- Leadership and Team Management: Proven experience in leading and developing a team, with the ability to delegate tasks effectively while maintaining oversight.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive and solution-oriented mindset with a demonstrated ability to address challenges and mitigate risks in a timely manner.
- Project Management: Competence in managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, while ensuring compliance with deadlines and regulatory requirements.
What equips you for the role
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of relevant post-qualification experience, preferably within the fields of government relations, corporate registration, or legal affairs in Saudi Arabia.
- Fluency in English is essential.
- Regional experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
We’re here to provide excellent service but a little help from you can ensure a five-star candidate experience from start to finish.
Before you click “apply”: Please read the job description carefully to ensure you can confidently demonstrate why this opportunity is right for you and take the time to put together a well-crafted and personalised CV to further boost your visibility. Our global Talent Acquisition team members are all assigned to specific businesses to ensure that we make the best matches between talent and opportunities. We not only consider the requisite compatibility of skills and behaviours, but also how candidates align with our Values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.
As part of our candidate experience promise, we also want to make ourselves available to you throughout the application process. We make every effort to review and respond to every application.
