Senior Government Affairs Manager

Role Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Government Affairs Manager to act as the primary strategic interface between our projects and key Saudi regulatory authorities. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive expertise in public affairs and stakeholder management to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, expedite critical technical approvals, and ensure seamless project execution in strict compliance with local laws.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Technical Approvals: Lead high-level coordination and negotiations with SEC, NWC, and Saudi Civil Defense. Proactively resolve complex regulatory queries and technical discrepancies during MEP submissions to ensure timely utility connections and final handovers.
• Compliance & Issue Resolution: Oversee all municipal affairs and interactions with local Amana/Balady. Develop proactive compliance strategies for site operations, excavation, and camp management. Act swiftly and professionally to manage and resolve any sudden site inspections, administrative bottlenecks, or operational stoppages.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Establish, maintain, and strengthen trust-based strategic partnerships with key decision-makers across municipal, traffic, and MHRSD departments to foster a supportive operational environment.
• Labor Compliance Oversight: Ensure absolute alignment with MHRSD regulations across the project site. Proactively manage potential labor relations risks, oversee subcontractor compliance (including Ajeer validity), and professionally handle any critical occupational incident (GOSI) claims to protect the Main Contractor from joint liability.
• Policy Foresight: Continuously monitor and analyze evolving Saudi regulations and Vision 2030 initiatives impacting the construction sector, providing strategic counsel and risk mitigation plans to the project management board.

Qualifications:

• Nationality: Saudi National.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years of senior-level experience in Government Affairs, Public Relations, or Compliance Management within the large-scale EPC construction, Joint Venture, or Oil & Gas sectors.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrable success in effectively engaging with and navigating the approval processes of key entities such as SEC, Amana, MHRSD, and Civil Defense. Prior experience working within relevant government ministries is highly advantageous.
• Core Competencies: Exceptional negotiation, conflict resolution, and crisis management skills. Deep understanding of the operational milestones of mega-construction projects.
• Language: Fluent in native Arabic and professional business English to ensure seamless reporting and collaboration with the expatriate leadership team.

Compensation Package: Based on experience

Work Location: In person