President Saudi Arabia (GCC), Edelman Global Advisory

Edelman Global Advisory (EGA) is the division of Edelman that owns the firm’s government relations and policy communications services. We are experienced consultants, government officials, political advisers, policy and regulatory experts, and industry professionals. Our clients come from a range of sectors, including food & beverage, healthcare, manufacturing and technology. We design meaningful strategies, we help build trusted relations, and we get things done. We are entrepreneurial in spirit and our work is bespoke to the needs of each client. We work together across regions and internationally where this adds value for clients. Our teams are expert in ensuring EGA services are business-driven and add value for clients through their insight and impact. We are also able to integrate Edelman’s unparalleled suite of services — public and media relations, brand, marketing, digital advocacy, data analytics, and more — in seamless packages to add further value.

Joining the EGA team will provide team members with the opportunity to be involved in the building of this growing firm—from creating a new culture, to redefining public affairs services, to exploring new services, such as data analytics and political risk analysis—across the regions where we operate: APAC, MENA, Europe, North America, Latin America, and India. We view ourselves as a start-up built on top of one of the world’s most recognizable brands.

Position Overview

Presidents are responsible for developing and implementing strategies for growing EGA’s business in their market, in close cooperation with both EGA’s regional leadership and Edelman’s local leadership. EGA Presidents report to the regional EGA Chair.

Scope of Work

Ensure excellence in service to EGA clients across the region:

• Maintain an understanding of current client’s business, priorities and competitive landscape.
• Provide input on overall staffing teams for clients.
• Explore how to expand and further enhance client teams going forward.
• Provide intelligence, analysis and point of view of Saudi Arabian policy developments related to clients.
• Oversee and ensure quality of deliverables sent to clients.
  
  
  

Business development and growth for the region:

• Actively seeks out new clients, working closely with the wider regional team to understand and broaden the business in country.
• Works alongside EGA and the broader Edelman network to pitch One Edelman offerings to clients.
• Proactively anticipates what’s next for clients and for EGA Saudi Arabia, getting ahead of issues and capitalizes on new opportunities.
  
  
  

Develop brand strategy, including thought leadership, for the Saudi Arabia market:

• Coordinate the country market branding strategy for EGA.
• Work with market teams to develop steady cadence of thought leadership and coordinate with EGA global comms lead.
• Represent the firm publicly in media interviews, round tables & panel participation, and develop platforms and affiliations with think tanks & broader relevant associations.
• Build upon and enhance EGA reputation in Saudi Arabia.
  
  
  

Provide regular market intelligence for global leadership:

• To inform better client service globally, keep global leadership teams informed on policy development in key sectors.
• Escalate client challenges and client opportunities, knowing when and how to leverage global leadership and full EGA resources.
  
  
  

Team Development & EGA Culture:

• Model and hold staff accountable for EGA performance, compliance and growth by fostering a team that lives, promotes and integrates the EGA values.
• Develop, mentor and provide future leadership opportunities to advance and develop teams at all levels.
• Promote collaboration across teams and countries to support best practice sharing.
• Support a regional approach to business development and client services leveraging the best team members for projects regardless of market location of the client.
• Create inclusive climate that encourages excellence, collaboration and integrity.
  
  
  

Management of EGA operations:

• Overall responsibility for the EGA office in Saudi Arabia including budget management, forecasting, utilization targets, etc.
• Oversight of performance metrics, hiring, talent mapping, staff compensation and promotions, and staff retention.
• Partner with local infrastructure, Finance and Human Resources.
• Oversee the (insert country or sector) PNL and finance to ensure profit margin and growth targets.
• Ensure compliance in terms of reputational risk, conflicts and contracting with all new and existing contracts.
• Foster best practice modelling to drive client retention, satisfaction and ultimately growth in country.
  
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Atleast16 years of experience in government, NGOs, associations, or private firms leading work related to relevant region or sector.
• Proven track record of being able to attract and retain clients, work the government system to achieve client goals, and manage people.
• Experience with budget and finance management and operations.
• Degree (BS/BA, MA, MBA) in a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong background in government and public affairs and integrated corporate communications and reputation management.
• An interest in geopolitics and international affairs, international business, brand reputation, and social causes, coupled with the ability to advise clients in these arenas.
• Proficient in building and maintaining relationships with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, industry associations, NGOs, and community groups.
• Skilled in managing external partnerships and alliances to enhance the firm's reputation and capabilities.
• Cultivator of talent – identifying and fostering growth of top/senior talent while nurturing the potential and growth of younger staff
• Exceptional leadership qualities with a demonstrated ability to lead a nation, manage diverse teams, and make informed decisions that impact public policies and affairs.
• Knowledge of the legislative and regulatory processes, as well as the ability to interpret and anticipate potential policy changes and their impacts.
• In-depth understanding of the country's political and governmental systems, policies, regulations, and key influencers.
• Experience in managing and nurturing client relationships at a senior level, including C-level executives and government stakeholders.
• The ability to effectively manage budgets and teams.
• Passion for networking, both internally and externally, to develop contacts and generate new thinking and ways of working.