Senior Associate - Government Relations Licensing

Americana Restaurants; Sharjah; On-site; AED 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the restaurant industry is seeking a Section Supervisor to oversee transactions and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements across UAE branches. The role requires strong administrative skills and a solid understanding of government relations. With qualifications in business administration and relevant experience, the ideal candidate will manage necessary permits and licenses while maintaining effective communication with various stakeholders in a dynamic environment. A valid UAE driving license is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of proven experience in administration, government relations, business services.
• Strong understanding of government relations functions and UAE Labor Law.
• In-depth knowledge of trade license management and public relations activities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise all transactions within the section and ensure smooth workflow.
• Manage contracts, ensure timely renewals of trade licenses and permits.
• Coordinate with departments for required documentation and compliance.

Skills

Analytical

Interpersonal

Communication

Organizational

Problem-solving

Spreadsheet skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or relevant field

Job description

Role Purpose:

The role involves supervising all transactions within the section, ensuring smooth workflow and coordination with the team. The candidate will be responsible for supporting team members in completing the required tasks efficiently while maintaining clear communication on all matters related to the Section. This includes overseeing the progress of work, resolving any issues that arise, and ensuring all telecommunications requirements across all UAE restaurant branches are tracked and addressed promptly.

Responsible for tracking and managing all contracts and ensuring timely renewals of trade licenses, permits, and other regulatory requirements. This includes overseeing gas and civil defense compliance and finalizing all related government transactions pertaining to the Section. The role ensures that all obligations are met efficiently and aligned with government regulations and company standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Issue and renew necessary documents for Trade Licenses.
• Follow up and complete documentation for Civil Defense approvals (new/renewals).
• Manage submissions through the Dubai 24x7 Smart System for new openings and existing operations.
• Handle Hassantuk System operations for Abu Dhabi, RAK, Al Ain, and Fujairah.
• Process and finalize requirements related to CID/CCTV installations.
• Follow up and complete documentation for event permits.
• Coordinate with all departments for required documentation related to the section.
• Follow up on tasks and payments with ministries and government online portals.
• Handle telecommunications requests (Etisalat & du), including installation of telephone and internet services, invoice management, and issue resolution.
• Manage utility transactions for EMPOWER, DEWA, SEWA, and FEWA.
• Obtain marketing campaign permits as needed.
• Handle food health inspection matters, including fines, layout approvals, and permissions.
• Process gates pass requests for restaurants, staff, and vendors in free zones.
• Prepare necessary documents for special permits, including:

Advertisement Permits

24-Hour Work Permits

Signboard Permits

Outside Area Usage Permits

Bike and Car Permits

• Supervise processes related to new restaurant licensing, renewals, transfers, and cancellations.
• Update relevant systems and databases accurately and regularly.
• Supervise agreements, contracts, cheque handling, and bank guarantees.
• Prepare and manage monthly reporting data.
• Handle and reconcile petty cash.
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualification & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or relevant field.
• Minimum of 4 years of proven experience in administration, government relations, business services.

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of government relations functions and UAE Labor Law.
• In-depth knowledge of trade license management and public relations activities within the UAE

Skills:

• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to manage complex tasks involving multiple stakeholders.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, with advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Valid UAE driving license.