Country Manager

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a leading global communications agency to appoint a Country Manager based in Riyadh. This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for driving the agency’s growth, profitability, client relationships, and operational excellence across Saudi Arabia.

The successful candidate will be a commercially driven leader with a strong network across the Saudi market, proven business development capabilities, and experience managing agency operations. This role will play a critical part in expanding the agency’s footprint, securing new business opportunities, and leading a high-performing team while ensuring exceptional client delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Growth:

• Lead and execute the agency’s growth strategy across Saudi Arabia.
• Identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities across both public and private sector organisations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers, stakeholders, and industry leaders.
• Drive revenue growth through new client acquisition and organic growth within existing accounts.
• Lead major pitches, proposals, and contract negotiations.
• Represent the agency at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Saudi team.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop talent across the business.
• Work closely with regional and global leadership teams to align market objectives with wider business goals.
• Ensure effective resource planning and team utilisation.

Operations & Financial Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Riyadh office.
• Manage P&L performance and ensure commercial targets are achieved.
• Monitor budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Implement operational processes and best practices to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and company policies.

Client Leadership:

• Act as a senior strategic advisor to key clients.
• Maintain strong client satisfaction and retention levels.
• Oversee the delivery of integrated communications programmes to the highest standards.
• Identify opportunities to expand services and deepen client partnerships.

Market & Industry Expertise:

• Maintain a strong understanding of the Saudi communications, media, and marketing landscape.
• Track market trends, industry developments, and competitive activity.
• Identify emerging opportunities aligned with Vision 2030 initiatives and national transformation programmes.

Requirements:

• 10+ years’ experience within communications, PR, strategic communications, public affairs, corporate communications, or integrated marketing agencies.
• Proven track record of winning and growing business within Saudi Arabia.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L responsibility.
• Established network across Saudi Arabia, including government, semi-government, and private sector organisations.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong stakeholder management, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Arabic language skills are advantageous but not essential.
• Experience working within a regional or global agency environment is highly desirable.

Ideal Profile:

• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong business development capabilities.
• Strategic thinker who can balance growth ambitions with operational excellence.
• Credible senior leader able to influence clients, stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Results-driven with a passion for building and scaling successful businesses.
• Strong understanding of the Saudi market and its evolving communications landscape.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to lead and grow a globally recognised communications agency within one of the region’s fastest-growing markets.
• Significant autonomy and influence over the Saudi business.
• Exposure to high-profile clients and landmark projects.
• Clear progression opportunities within a global organisation.
• Competitive salary, bonus structure, and benefits package.

Salt is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.