Head of Strategic Business Development

Role overview

This senior leadership role is centered on driving company-wide growth through strategic business development at the corporate level. The position focuses on uncovering and executing opportunities that open fresh revenue channels, strengthen collaboration across business units, and support expansion into new sectors, services, and markets. It is intended for an executive-track professional with regular exposure to board-level discussions and decision-making.

The assignment is based in Riyadh. Although the company location is listed as Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates, the job location specified in the source is Riyadh.

Core mandate

• Build new revenue streams across the wider group.
• Spot and activate opportunities for synergy between business units.
• Shape new strategic platforms and partnership models.
• Back executive leadership on major corporate growth programs.

Corporate growth initiatives

• Identify business opportunities that fit the organization’s long-term direction.
• Design and launch revenue-generating platforms that can span multiple business units.
• Lead commercial and feasibility evaluations for new corporate initiatives.
• Convert strategic priorities into practical, executable business opportunities.

Cross-business synergy development

• Find ways to connect and combine the strengths of existing business units.
• Create integrated solutions that draw on capabilities from across divisions.
• Work with business unit leaders to roll out synergy initiatives.
• Measure and report the value created through these synergies.

New business line and platform development

• Track emerging sectors, technologies, and service models for possible entry.
• Build commercial structures for new business lines.
• Lead the setup of new corporate platforms or verticals.
• Support the early launch phase and growth of new ventures.

Strategic partnerships and alliances

• Engage with global partners, technology providers, and investors.
• Structure alliances, joint ventures, and co-development arrangements.
• Assist with high-level negotiations and ongoing relationship management.
• Make sure partnerships deliver tangible strategic and revenue outcomes.

Strategic investments and M&A

• Assess acquisition and investment opportunities that align with corporate growth priorities.
• Prepare business cases, financial models, and valuation analyses.
• Support due diligence and transaction structuring activities.
• Provide input to executive leadership on investment decisions.

Executive-level business development

• Support the CEO and senior leaders in building strategic client relationships.
• Identify long-term programs with key government and strategic accounts.
• Position the company as a strategic partner rather than a transactional service provider.

Corporate opportunity pipeline

• Develop and manage a pipeline of strategic opportunities at the corporate level.
• Rank initiatives based on strategic alignment and financial return.
• Present opportunities to executive leadership and the board.

Key performance indicators

• Revenue delivered from new corporate business lines.
• Value generated from implemented cross-business synergy initiatives.
• Number and value of strategic platforms launched.
• Partnerships and joint ventures completed.
• Return on investment and internal rate of return for new corporate initiatives.
• Share of total company revenue contributed by new segments.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related discipline is required.
• An MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification is preferred.

Experience

• 10 to 18 years of experience in corporate business development or strategic planning and investment roles.
• Background in infrastructure, energy, industrial, or EPC sectors is expected.
• Hands-on experience in launching new business lines, driving cross-business or corporate initiatives, and managing strategic partnerships or investments is required.

Key competencies

• Ability to think strategically at the corporate level.
• Strong capability in cross-business integration and synergy creation.
• Experience in building new business platforms.
• Solid commercial judgment and financial understanding.
• Skilled in managing executive stakeholders.
• Capability in investment analysis and business case creation.

Leadership attributes

• Entrepreneurial, opportunity-seeking, and growth-focused mindset.
• Confident executive presence with strong credibility.
• High sense of ownership and accountability.
• Comfort working across several business units.
• Strong delivery orientation with a clear focus on results.

Additional information

This is a confidential, senior executive role with significant strategic influence. The position is intended for a seasoned professional capable of shaping long-term corporate growth, collaborating closely with executive leadership, and contributing to board-level discussions.