Hospitality & Retail Services Specialist (Saudi Arabia)

About this role

We are looking for a Hospitality & Retail Services Specialist to support hospitality and retail operations at KAUST. The role will focus on managing retail leasing activities, coordinating tenants and catering providers, conducting inspections, ensuring food safety and service standards, and supporting the smooth operation of retail and hospitality facilities across the campus and Thuwal Corniche.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage retail leasing activities, including identifying potential tenants, preparing proposals, and supporting lease negotiations.
• Coordinate retailer onboarding, inspections, operational readiness, compliance, and clearance processes.
• Monitor retail outlets to ensure compliance with hospitality, hygiene, food safety, HSE, and service standards .
• Manage relationships with retail tenants, catering providers, and internal departments.
• Support the planning and development of retail spaces, from feasibility and design to construction and commissioning.
• Conduct market benchmarking and prepare financial and operational reports related to retail services.
• Coordinate catering services for KAUST events, business functions, and community activities.
• Monitor customer feedback, address service concerns, and support improvements in the overall community experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Property Management, Marketing, Hospitality, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience in hospitality operations, retail management, commercial property leasing, or a similar role.
• Experience in retail inspections, food safety, hygiene, HSE compliance, or hospitality quality standards is highly preferred.
• Experience in retail leasing, tenant relations, lease administration, or commercial property management.
• Knowledge of hospitality operations, catering services, and customer experience management.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple activities, coordinate with different teams, and maintain operational standards.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.