Establishment Services Manager

Majid Al Futtaim; Dubai; On-site; AED 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Majid Al Futtaim is seeking an experienced Establishment Services Manager to lead regulatory approvals, licensing compliance, and government transactions in Dubai, UAE. The role requires oversight of trade licences, municipality approvals, Civil Defence permits, and related regulatory activities across mainland and free zones.

The candidate will manage the establishment-related compliance program, build strong relationships with government authorities, and drive governance and process

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years in Government Relations and Establishment Services.
• At least 4 years of people management experience in large organizations.
• Strong knowledge of UAE trade licensing procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing compliance across mainland and free zone jurisdictions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and regulatory coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead trade licence issuance, renewals, amendments, and cancellations for mainland and free zones in the UAE.
• Oversee establishment-related government transactions to ensure timely processing and compliance.
• Manage licensing requirements according to federal and emirate regulations.
• Coordinate with government authorities to facilitate approvals and resolve issues.
• Maintain compliance dashboards and monitor licence expiry dates and renewals.
• Develop SOPs and strengthen governance for establishment services.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Trade licensing

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, or a related field

Tools

Power BI

Microsoft Office

Job description

Establishment Services Manager Job Snapshot

Role: Establishment Services Manager - Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Retail - Function: Government Relations - Experience: 8 years, including 4 years in people management - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Majid Al Futtaim is seeking an experienced Establishment Services Manager to lead government-related establishment services, regulatory approvals, and licensing compliance activities in Dubai, UAE. The role is responsible for managing trade licences, government transactions, municipality approvals, Civil Defence permits, and regulatory inspections across mainland and free zone entities in the United Arab Emirates. The successful candidate will oversee establishment-related compliance requirements, maintain effective relationships with government authorities, and ensure that licences and permits remain valid and aligned with applicable regulations. This management position also involves improving internal processes, strengthening governance, developing team capabilities, and working closely with business stakeholders to support operational continuity.

Trade Licensing and Establishment Services

• Lead trade licence issuance, renewals, amendments, and cancellations for mainland and free zone entities across the UAE.
• Oversee establishment-related government transactions to ensure timely processing and regulatory compliance.
• Manage licensing requirements in accordance with applicable federal and emirate-level regulations.
• Coordinate with relevant government authorities to facilitate approvals and resolve establishment-related matters.
• Monitor licensing obligations and ensure that required documentation and approvals remain current.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on trade licensing procedures and establishment compliance requirements.

Government Approvals and Regulatory Permits

• Manage municipality approvals and permits covering signage, operational activities, events, and facility-related requirements.
• Oversee the timely issuance and renewal of Civil Defence permits.
• Ensure establishment activities comply with applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate government approval processes with relevant departments and external authorities.
• Maintain effective working relationships with regulatory bodies to support efficient transaction processing.
• Address permit-related issues and coordinate appropriate corrective actions when required.

Regulatory Compliance and Inspections

• Oversee regulatory compliance activities across business establishments and operating locations.
• Coordinate inspection readiness with relevant teams to ensure sites meet applicable regulatory requirements.
• Manage inspection findings, track corrective actions, and ensure identified issues are addressed and formally closed.
• Monitor licence expiry dates, permit renewals, inspection results, and potential compliance risks.
• Maintain compliance dashboards and reporting tools to support regulatory oversight.
• Identify emerging compliance concerns and coordinate timely action to minimize operational and regulatory risks.

Process Improvement and Governance

• Develop and improve standard operating procedures for establishment services and government transactions.
• Strengthen internal governance practices to support consistent regulatory compliance.
• Review existing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Explore automation opportunities that can simplify transaction management, compliance monitoring, and reporting.
• Implement process improvements that reduce operational risks and support effective regulatory controls.
• Promote accurate documentation, accountability, and consistent application of established procedures.

Stakeholder and Government Relations

• Build and maintain professional relationships with government authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Partner with Legal, Facilities Management, Operations, Real Estate, and other business functions to address establishment-related requirements.
• Provide regulatory guidance and operational support to business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Coordinate licensing, permitting, and inspection activities to support uninterrupted business operations.
• Communicate regulatory requirements, compliance risks, and necessary actions to relevant stakeholders.
• Support effective decision-making through clear reporting and practical recommendations.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and manage the Establishment Services team to ensure effective delivery of regulatory and government-related services.
• Provide direction, guidance, and support to team members handling licensing, approvals, and compliance activities.
• Develop team capabilities through coaching, performance management, and knowledge sharing.
• Promote accountability, customer focus, and consistent service standards across the function.
• Support organizational change and process improvements while maintaining operational effectiveness.
• Encourage collaboration between the Establishment Services team and other business departments.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor 's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Government Relations and Establishment Services.
• At least 4 years of people management experience within large and complex organizations.
• Strong knowledge of UAE trade licensing procedures, government transactions, and establishment-related regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing compliance activities across mainland and free zone jurisdictions.
• Demonstrated expertise in government stakeholder management and regulatory coordination.
• Proven ability to work with business leaders and cross-functional teams in a business partnering environment.
• Experience providing strategic guidance and operational support on regulatory and establishment matters.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analytics tools such as Power BI.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Comprehensive understanding of UAE federal and emirate-level regulatory requirements.
• Strong knowledge of trade licensing, municipality approvals, Civil Defence permits, and establishment compliance.
• Government relations and regulatory stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to oversee multiple licensing, permitting, and inspection processes.
• Regulatory risk identification, compliance monitoring, and reporting skills.
• Experience developing standard operating procedures and strengthening governance practices.
• Ability to identify process automation and operational efficiency opportunities.
• Strong analytical capabilities and confidence using data to support business decisions.
• Effective business writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.Strategic thinking and sound decision-making abilities.
• Leadership, talent development, and change management capabilities.
• Strong accountability, customer focus, and commitment to operational excellence.

Role Impact

The Establishment Services Manager plays an important role in protecting business continuity by ensuring that establishment licences, regulatory permits, and government approvals are managed effectively. Through proactive compliance monitoring, stakeholder coordination, and process improvements, the position supports the organization 's ability to operate within applicable UAE regulatory requirements while maintaining efficient establishment services.

About Majid Al Futtaim

Majid Al Futtaim operates businesses across shopping malls, retail, communities, and entertainment in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. The group is committed to creating great moments for everyone, every day. The Establishment Services function supports its business operations by coordinating government transactions, maintaining regulatory compliance, and managing essential licensing and approval requirements.