Manager PRO GCC

Purpose

The Government Affairs Manager role is responsible for handling the submission, collection, approval, and timely processing of various legal documents with government authorities while ensuring full compliance with company policies and regulatory procedures to mitigate any risk of fines or penalties. This includes managing and coordinating processes related to trade license applications, Civil Defence certifications, and other legal business requirements, as well as overseeing the acquisition of sales permissions to ensure the company consistently adheres to local laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Company secretary function (including organizing board meetings, general meetings, statutory records and registers and ensuring compliance with statutory regulations)
• Represent the company as the main point of contact at government entities, including police stations, airports, hotels, embassies, ministries, municipalities, Free Zones authorities and other departments, ensuring timely processing of all required permissions and approvals.
• Processing new and renewal applications for company trade licenses and memberships (LLC, JAFZA, MOFA, and COC) and handling document attestation.
• Manage trade licenses and related permits for all company retail locations, including obtaining licenses for new long-term and pop-up stores, renewing licenses for existing locations (approximately 80 doors), and overseeing associated permits such as lease registration, civil defence certifications, façade banners, and utility-related approvals.
• Obtain necessary permits and approvals for all marketing activities across the UAE, ensuring compliance with local regulations and timely execution of campaigns.
• Resolve operational issues with local authorities related to the company's retail locations, ensuring smooth business operations and compliance with regulations.
• Manage all sales permissions, including store promotions, part sales, special offers, and discount approvals, ensuring timely submission, approval, and compliance with relevant authorities.
• Maintain accurate records and liaise with the Economy Department and other relevant entities.
• Process police permissions, NOCs, and other required government documents.
• Support departments with matters related to Economy Department inspections and raffle draws.
• Ensure compliance with finance procedures for all submissions and fund collections.
• Provide general PRO support to other departments.
• Leverage the digitalization of government portals across all Emirates, ensuring that company processes align with and benefit from available e-services.
• Adhere to high ethical standards and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Stay up to date with regulatory changes and proactively communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Monitor the Dubai Retail Calendar and share relevant information with stakeholders.
• Interacting with officials from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization and offering advice on applicable HR-related UAE regulations.
• Managing the external PROs in Saudi Arabia, overseeing the process of obtaining store licenses and civil defence certificates, guiding the PRO on best practices and work improvements, and establishing and maintaining relationships with relevant government authorities in KSA.
• Continuously improve processes and procedures to enhance efficiency.
  
  

Key Relationships

• Internal: Legal and Compliance Department, Retail Operations (back office and stores), HR Teams, Wholesale and Customer Service Departments, Finance, and Marketing Departments.
• Local (External): Government Authorities, PRO service providers.
  
  

Knowledge Skills And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the UAE Local laws, regulations and procedures
• Customer centric approach and strong interpersonal skills
• Experience in using government online portals
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills,
• Fluent in Arabic and English
• Business mindset
  
  

Requisite Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• 8+ years of overall work experience in dealing with the local authorities and public sector
• Driving license and own car
  
  

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.