As a dynamic, collaborative, and extremely talented group of storytellers spread across 20 countries worldwide and headquartered in Singapore, we are committed to creating the best for our clients, delivering excellence to our employees, and making a positive impact in our societies. If you are someone who strives to raise the bar and consistently give your best, we invite you to join our growing team!
The Managing Director based in Dubai, UAE, is responsible for the Middle East and Africa business overall, driving sustainable growth, maintaining client satisfaction levels, and managing financial performance. This role requires approximately 60% focus on new business development and 40% on client counsel and team leadership.
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced leader who:
- Has 10+ years of experience in Public Relations, with at least a majority of this within a PR agency environment.
- Has experience managing P&L, budgeting, and financial performance for a business unit.
- Has a proven track record in driving new business development, including deal origination, pitching, and closing.
- Demonstrates excellent stakeholder management and client relationship skills, with the ability to build credibility with senior clients and partners.
- Is able to lead and inspire teams, with strong people management and talent development skills.
- Is strategic, commercially minded, and capable of balancing revenue growth with operational excellence.
- Has strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate across regional and global teams.
Key Responsibilities
Revenue Growth, Financial Performance & Profitability
- Deliver annual financial targets set by management, including topline revenue, net revenue, and profit margins.
- Ensure profitability and commercial viability of new business accounts.
- Lead on forecasting, budgeting, and pipeline management for the region, in collaboration with management and Finance.
- Own and manage the region's P&L, taking proactive steps to improve profitability, manage costs, optimise resourcing, and identify efficiency opportunities.
- Ensure fair, competitive, and value-based pricing of services and solutions.
- Partner closely with Finance other internal stakeholders on all financial and commercial matters.
New Business Development
- Lead the identification, development, and acquisition of new business opportunities to expand the company's footprint across the MEA region, and direct leads and enquiries to other Redhill regions as relevant.
- Proactively identify platforms and sources of tenders, RFPs, RFQs and compile and submit proposals as required.
- Take full ownership of the end-to-end new business process, including:
- Developing compelling proposals and strategic solutions
- Leading pitch presentations and negotiations
- Managing all contractual and legal documentation (e.g. MSA, SOW, and related agreements) through to deal closure
- Drive new business from existing clients requiring Public Relations and integrated communications solutions in regions outside of MEA, to be delivered by other Redhill regions or business units.
Client Leadership & Strategic Advisory
- Provide senior-level strategic public relations counsel and communications guidance to direct reports and clients as required.
- Act as a lead consultant on client relationships and lead and advise on crisis communications when necessary.
- Collaborate cross-border with Redhill Group entities to deliver integrated and multimarket client solutions.
People Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, motivate, and inspire direct reports through strong leadership, clarity of direction, and accountability.
- Set clear objectives, manage performance, and conduct regular performance reviews.
- Foster a culture of learning, development, and continuous improvement within the team.
- Support talent growth, succession planning, and capability building across the business unit.
- Work with management and central HR to roll out all L&D initiatives, appraisals, and promotions.
Regional Market Leadership
- Develop and execute market-specific growth strategies for Middle East and Africa, aligned with industry trends, competitive dynamics, and evolving client needs.
- Support expansion into other markets through partnerships as required, in close collaboration with global leadership.
- Strengthen Redhill's brand positioning, visibility, and leadership within the local communications ecosystem.
- Build and nurture strong relationships with industry leaders, partners, media stakeholders, and key decision-makers to enhance credibility and unlock new business opportunities.
- Represent the company at relevant industry events, forums, conferences, and networking platforms.
Market Insights & Competitive Intelligence
- Monitor industry developments, market trends, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and potential risks.
- Provide timely, data-driven insights and recommendations to leadership to support strategic decision-making.
Preferred: Exposure to integrated communications, cross-border client management, and knowledge of industry trends and competitor landscapes. The ideal candidate will have a few years of team and P&L management experience, as well as proven positioning as a senior, trusted client advisor. This role will require frequent collaboration with multiple markets and regions around the world. Limited travel requirement.
