Government Relation Manager

InterContinental Hotels Group; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury hotel group in Saudi Arabia is seeking a Government Relations Manager to ensure compliance with local regulations and handle government interactions. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Hotel or Business Administration, two to three years of relevant experience, and strong communication skills. Join our team to help deliver memorable experiences to our guests in a vibrant environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for personal and professional development

Qualifications

• Two to three years’ experience in a similar role.
• Familiarity with international luxury hotel operations.
• GCC exposure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with government agencies for compliance with local laws.
• Manage visa applications for international staff.
• Ensure hotel meets legal and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain records of government-related documentation.
• Assist employees with government processes.
• Advise management on government relations strategies.

Skills

Strong Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Problem-Solving Skills

Knowledge of Local Laws and Regulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration / Business Administration or equivalent

Job description

About Us

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is the original boutique hotel company, which pioneered the concept of unique, distinctive, design-forward hotels in the San Francisco, California before expanding worldwide. Anchored in one-of-a-kind experiences, Kimpton spaces and experiences centre on our guests, offering inspiring design that evokes curiosity to forward thinking flavours that feed the soul. Every detail is thoughtfully curated and artfully delivered, so that guest experiences remain meaningful, unscripted and ridiculously personal.

Our mission is to be the best-loved hotel and restaurant company through the common belief that heartfelt connections make people’s lives better. Our colleagues are empowered and encouraged to act from the heart, to go above and beyond to create ‘ridiculously personal’ experiences for each other and our guests.

We're looking for passionate, high-spirited individuals to join the pre-opening team at Kimpton Riyadh, the very first Kimpton hotel in the Middle East. The ideal Kimpton team member has an inclusive spirit who embraces individuality and can cultivate a work environment that’s a bit quirky, irreverent, exciting, uncommon, empowering, and downright exceptional.

Our hotel is only as good as the people it employs so if you’re passionate, focused and driven, live for making every guest’s experience ‘ridiculously personal’ and creating unforgettable moments, then we invite you to join the Kimpton tribe.

About Kimpton Riyadh

Located in King Abdullah Financial District which is set in the heart of the Saudi capital, 22-kilometers away from the airport, Kimpton Riyadh is the first Kimpton in the Middle East bringing the brand’s playful energy, infectious personality, and unique design style to this LEED certified landmark development home to 1.6 million square meters of state-of-the-art office space, world-class venues and iconic luxury residences. The hotel welcomes guests to experience its 212 guest rooms and suites and to enjoy its unique dining options.

A Government Relations Manager at an international luxury hotel plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations by liaising with government agencies and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Here are the typical day-to-day activities for this position:

Day-to-Day Activities of a Government Relations Manager

1. Liaising with Government Agencies
   • Communicating with various government departments to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
   • Handling visa and work permit applications for international staff.
2. Compliance Management
   • Ensuring the hotel adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements.
   • Keeping up-to-date with changes in laws and regulations that may affect hotel operations.
3. Documentation and Record Keeping
   • Maintaining accurate records of all government-related documents, such as visas, work permits, and occupational health cards.
   • Creating and maintaining a systematic filing system for all government relation matters.
4. Employee Support
   • Assisting employees with government-related processes, such as visa renewals and health card applications.
   • Coordinating medical schedules and ensuring employees have the necessary health certifications.
5. Problem-Solving and Issue Resolution
   • Addressing any issues that arise with government agencies or compliance matters.
   • Finding effective solutions to ensure smooth operations.
6. Strategic Planning and Reporting
   • Advising hotel management on government relations strategies and potential impacts of regulatory changes.
   • Preparing reports on government relations activities and compliance status.

Skills and Qualities Needed

1. Strong Communication Skills
   • Ability to communicate effectively with government officials and hotel staff.
2. Organizational Skills
   • Managing multiple tasks and maintaining detailed records efficiently.
3. Attention to Detail
   • Ensuring accuracy in documentation and compliance matters.
4. Problem-Solving Skills
   • Addressing and resolving issues promptly and effectively.
5. Knowledge of Local Laws and Regulations
   • Staying informed about relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

Working as a Government Relations Manager in an international luxury hotel requires a combination of strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. This role is vital for ensuring the hotel operates smoothly and complies with all necessary regulations.

What we need from you

• Bachelor’s degree, higher education qualification or equivalent in Hotel Administration / Business Administration
• Two to Three years’ prior tenure in a similar role
• International luxury hotel chain background
• GCC exposure
• English Fluency is required
• Arabic Fluency is preferred

Teamwork and Flexibility

In addition to the tasks outlined above, all team members are expected to demonstrate flexibility and a collaborative spirit. This may involve taking on additional responsibilities as needed, especially during periods of high occupancy or in emergency situations. Your willingness to assist colleagues and contribute to the overall success of the hotel is essential in maintaining our high standards of service and guest satisfaction.

What we offer

We’ll reward all your hard work with a competitive salary and benefits. Join us and you’ll become part of the global IHG family – and like all families, all our individual team members share some winning characteristics. As a team, we work better together – we trust and support each other, we do the right thing and we welcome different perspectives. You need to show us you care: that you notice the little things that make a difference to guests as well as always looking for ways to improve - visit www.careers.ihg.com to find out more about us.

So go on - show us how your passion and personality are the perfect fit to deliver memorable experiences to our guests.