General Manager - Public Relations

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced General Manager to lead and oversee a prominent global communications agency's operations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This senior leadership position involves driving growth, profitability, and client relationships while ensuring operational excellence across the Saudi market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement growth strategies to expand the agency's presence throughout Saudi Arabia.
• Source, nurture, and convert new business opportunities across public and private sectors.
• Establish and maintain strong professional connections with key decision-makers and industry leaders.
• Lead efforts in revenue enhancement through acquisition of new clients and growth within existing accounts.
• Manage major pitches, proposal developments, and contract negotiations.
• Represent the agency at industry gatherings, conferences, and networking events.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Saudi team promoting a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop talent to build a high-performing workforce.
• Align local market goals with regional and global leadership objectives.
• Oversee daily operations of the Riyadh office ensuring efficient resource planning and utilization.
• Manage financial performance including budgets, forecasting, and P&L responsibilities.
• Implement operational best practices to boost efficiency and profitability.
• Ensure agency compliance with local laws and company policies.
• Serve as a senior strategic advisor to key clients to maintain high satisfaction and retention.
• Oversee delivery of integrated communications programs meeting the highest standards.
• Identify opportunities for service expansion and deepen client relationships.
• Stay abreast of market trends, industry developments, and competitive activities in Saudi Arabia.
• Identify new opportunities connected to Vision 2030 and national transformation initiatives.

Candidate Requirements

• More than 10 years of experience in communications-related fields such as PR, strategic communications, public affairs, or integrated marketing within agency settings.
• Demonstrated success in business development and growth within the Saudi Arabian market.
• Strong commercial understanding with hands-on experience managing budgets and profit and loss.
• Well-established professional network across Saudi Arabia, including government and private sectors.
• Proven leadership in managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation capabilities; adept presenter.
• Arabic proficiency is a plus but not mandatory.
• Experience working in regional or global agency environments is highly desirable.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Entrepreneurial mindset with exceptional business development skills.
• Strategic thinker capable of balancing growth ambitions with operational pragmatism.
• Respected senior leader with credibility to influence various stakeholders both inside and outside the organization.
• Focused on achieving results and passionate about building successful, scalable businesses.
• Deep knowledge of the Saudi communications market and its evolving dynamics.

Why Join This Agency?

• Lead and expand a globally recognized communications agency in one of the region's fastest growing economies.
• Enjoy significant decision-making authority and influence over business operations in Saudi Arabia.
• Engage with high-profile clients and participate in landmark projects.
• Find clear opportunities for career advancement within an international organization.
• Receive a comprehensive compensation package including competitive salary, bonuses, and benefits.