Partnerships Associate (Emiratisation)

About Chalhoub Group and Role Overview

Chalhoub Group, a premier luxury retail leader in the region, champions the creation of robust partnerships that drive business progress. The company seeks an enthusiastic Emirati Partnerships Associate to join its Partnerships team. This pivotal role involves cultivating and managing relationships with government and strategic entities to support operational continuity and facilitate approvals across the UAE. Reporting to the Managing Director UAE, the position offers immersive exposure to senior leadership, government relations, and cross-department collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture trusted connections with government, semi-government, and strategic external partners.
• Engage and coordinate with municipalities, economic departments, tourism authorities, ministries, embassies, free zones, and other regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate with the Government Relations division to address business needs and operational demands.
• Oversee the processing of permits, licenses, approvals, meetings, and official documents.
• Support execution of business projects by liaising internally and externally.
• Serve as the main contact point between business leaders, brands, and outside entities.
• Represent Chalhoub Group at various forums including meetings, networking events, and stakeholder engagements.
• Promote initiatives that enhance partnerships and foster sustainable business growth.
• Ensure prompt follow-up on operational concerns involving external parties.
• Contribute to projects that strengthen collaboration with strategic partners throughout the UAE.

Collaborations

• Internal teams including Group Leadership, Government Relations, Commercial, Brand, Retail Operations, and Business Support functions.
• External contacts such as Dubai and UAE Police Authorities, municipalities, economic development bodies, tourism authorities, ministries, embassies, JAFZA, port authorities, and strategic business associates.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications:

• UAE National (holding a Family Book).
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Public Administration, Communications, Political Science or related disciplines.
• Fresh graduates or candidates with up to 2 years of experience are welcome to apply.

Skills and Attributes:

• Fluency in Arabic (speaking, reading, writing).
• Proficiency in English with strong professional communication abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building capabilities.
• High standards of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
• Confidence engaging with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to adapt and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in government relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, or partnerships.
• Prior exposure to customer-facing roles, stakeholder coordination, retail, partnerships, or government relations is advantageous.
• For male applicants, completion of UAE National Service is preferred.

Working Conditions and Expectations

This role is field and office based, requiring frequent travel between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate should be comfortable visiting government agencies, malls, business partners, and attending external meetings. Flexibility to work across several locations as needed, start early when coordinating with entities, and maintain a highly visible and responsive presence throughout working hours is essential.

Benefits and Opportunities

Joining Chalhoub Group offers a unique chance to advance a career at the nexus of business, government relations, and strategic partnerships. The role provides hands-on interaction with senior leadership, exposure to governmental processes, and development of strong expertise in stakeholder management and business facilitation fostering a solid foundation for careers in partnerships, government relations, corporate affairs, or commercial leadership.

Success Criteria

• Establish strong, enduring relationships with government and external stakeholders within the first year.
• Gain comprehensive understanding of different internal business functions.
• Efficiently handle permits, approvals, and stakeholder coordination independently.
• Earn trust from internal teams and external partners through professionalism and dependability.
• Consistently demonstrate sound judgment and represent the organization with integrity and excellence.