Public Relations Account Director

Umami Comms DMCC; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Umami Comms DMCC is seeking a strategic and driven PR Account Director with a strong understanding of the F&B and hospitality landscape. This role thrives in a fast-paced agency environment, leading with confidence and delivering strategic depth and superior relationship management.

You will oversee key accounts, guide senior team members, and play a critical role in shaping the agency’s output, reputation, and growth.

Qualifications

• 9-10+ years of PR agency experience, with proven leadership across multiple accounts.
• Strong experience within F&B and hospitality is highly preferred.
• Established media and industry network across the GCC.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of PR and communications strategies across key accounts.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing senior counsel aligned with business objectives and market context.
• Oversee a portfolio of key clients, ensuring excellence in delivery, service, and relationship management.
• Lead client interactions, including strategy presentations, reviews, and critical conversations.
• Guide teams on positioning, messaging, and media engagement strategies.
• Represent Umami at key industry events, reinforcing the agency’s presence and reputation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Account Managers and junior team members.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Client advisory

Media relations

GCC knowledge

Team leadership

Executive communication

F&B industry

Job description

We are looking for a strategic and driven PR Account Director with a strong understanding of

the F&B and hospitality landscape. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced

agency environment, leads with confidence, and brings both strategic depth and strong

relationship management skills. You will oversee key accounts, guide senior team members,

and play a critical role in shaping the agency’s output, reputation, and growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership & Client Advisory
• Lead the development and execution of PR and communications strategies across key accounts.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing senior counsel aligned with business objectives and market context.
• Anticipate challenges and proactively guide clients through complex or sensitive situations.
• Ensure all communications are aligned with brand positioning and long-term vision.

Client Management & Account Oversight

• Oversee a portfolio of key clients, ensuring excellence in delivery, service, and relationship management.
• Lead client interactions, including strategy presentations, reviews, and critical conversations.
• Maintain strong client satisfaction, proactively identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Ensure all accounts are delivered on time, on brief, and in line with agency standards.

Media, Influencer & Industry Relations

• Leverage a strong network to secure top-tier coverage, strategic partnerships, and high-impact opportunities.
• Maintain and grow relationships with senior media, editors, tastemakers, and industry stakeholders.
• Guide teams on positioning, messaging, and media engagement strategies.
• Represent Umami at key industry events, reinforcing the agency’s presence and reputation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Account Managers and junior team members.
• Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and support career progression.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture, ensuring quality, efficiency, and team well-being.
• Act as a role model within the agency, setting standards for delivery, communication, and attitude.

Creative & Campaign Direction

• Oversee the development of creative concepts, campaigns, and activations.
• Ensure ideas are strategically sound, relevant, and impactful.
• Work closely with internal teams (social, production, creative) to deliver integrated campaigns.

Business Development & Growth

• Support new business efforts, including pitches, proposals, and strategic presentations.
• Identify opportunities to grow existing accounts and expand service offerings.
• Contribute to the agency’s positioning, thought leadership, and overall growth strategy.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate business objectives into impactful communications.
• Excellent client leadership and senior stakeholder management skills.
• Advanced understanding of media, influencer and cultural landscapes in the GCC.
• Strong leadership presence, with the ability to inspire and guide teams.
• Highly organised, solutions-oriented, and proactive.
• Confident communicator, both written and verbal.
• Passionate about F&B, hospitality, and lifestyle industries.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• 9-10+ years of PR agency experience, with proven leadership across multiple accounts.
• Strong experience within F&B and hospitality is highly preferred.
• Established media and industry network across the GCC.
• Fluency in English required; Arabic is a strong advantage.