Director Strategy Corporate Development

Strategy and Corporate development – Senior General Manager / Director

About Abdul Latif Jameel:

Abdul Latif Jameel, founded in 1945 in Saudi Arabia, is a globally diversified conglomerate operating across six key sectors: Mobility, Financial Services, Energy & Environment, Health, Diversified, and Investment. With a workforce of over 11,000 employees across more than 30 countries spanning six continents, our people remain at the core of our success.

In the Asia Pacific region, we have a strong presence in key markets, including Japan, China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Demonstrating our commitment to growth in this dynamic region, we established our Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore in 2021, serving as a strategic hub to support expansion and enhance access to emerging opportunities.

Role Summary:

Abdul Latif Jameel is looking for a highly experienced and dynamic Director to join our Strategy and Corporate Development team within the Mobility Sector, with a primary focus on Türkiye.

This role is pivotal in shaping strategic initiatives and driving corporate growth through comprehensive planning, in-depth analysis, and the execution of key projects. The selected candidate will be part of the team responsible for defining and steering the medium- to long-term direction of Abdul Latif Jameel's Mobility business.

This position reports to the Managing Director, Mobility Strategy and Corporate Development, based in Singapore. We are seeking candidates with experience working in top-tier consulting firms within the Automotive Domain.

Requirement:

• The individual will function as a sole contributor, without a direct team, but with the ability to collaborate across business units as a project leader, including engagement with Strategy and Corporate Development teams. They will be responsible for leading projects and corporate initiatives independently or with minimal supervision, operating from their designated office or location.
• The role requires a hands-on, detail-oriented approach, with a proactive and results-driven mindset. The individual must be capable of managing the entire project lifecycle—from research and analysis to execution—ensuring timely delivery while driving both initiatives and stakeholders. Additionally, they will be responsible for developing, presenting, and securing buy-in for strategies from business leaders, as well as identifying and advancing business opportunities and corporate development initiatives.
• A strong strategic thinker, the candidate must have a demonstrated track record in corporate strategy, business development, and project management. While experience in Corporate Strategy or consulting is essential, the role demands a broader skill set that extends beyond analytical capabilities.
• The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating both well-established and evolving organizational landscapes, gaining alignment from key decision-makers, and fostering strong internal and external relationships. High emotional intelligence and the ability to operate effectively in diverse environments are critical.
• A background in the Automotive and Mobility industry, particularly in the distribution segment, is preferred. Experience in other industries is welcomed but not mandatory.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans to drive corporate objectives and long-term growth.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual strategic planning cycle, collaborating with Strategic Business Units (SBUs) to refine and optimize business strategies.
• Conduct market analysis to identify growth opportunities and mitigate potential risks.
• Lead the assessment of new business ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships.
• Partner with senior leadership and corporate functions to align strategic initiatives with the company's vision and mission.

Corporate Development:

• Oversee the identification and evaluation of new business opportunities to support corporate expansion.
• Support due diligence and related processes for potential acquisitions and partnerships in collaboration with the Corporate M&A and Business teams.
• Assist in negotiating deal terms and ensuring seamless integration of newly acquired businesses.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, partners, and industry experts.

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

• Conduct in-depth financial analysis to guide strategic decision-making.
• Develop business cases, financial models, and investment proposals to support corporate initiatives.
• Monitor and report on the performance of strategic initiatives and corporate development projects.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to strategy and corporate development professionals, as well as business teams, within the scope of each project or initiative.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance team culture.
• Facilitate ongoing training and development programs to enhance team capabilities.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government entities, consultants, and industry experts, to secure alignment and support for strategic initiatives.
• Represent Abdul Latif Jameel at industry conferences, events, and key meetings.

Organizational Navigation and Relationship Management:

• Navigate both established and evolving organizational structures with expertise.
• Secure buy-in from key decision-makers for strategic initiatives.
• Establish and sustain strong internal and external relationships to advance corporate development objectives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field; an MBA or equivalent advanced degree is preferred.
• 8–12 years of experience in corporate strategy, business development, management consulting, or an equivalent role.
• Prior experience in the automotive industry, particularly in vehicle distribution.
• Proven expertise in project management and strategic planning.
• Strong financial acumen, with proficiency in financial modeling and analysis.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, with experience leveraging AI tools.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, emphasizing collaboration and innovation.
• Strong capability in navigating both established and emerging organizations, securing stakeholder buy-in, and fostering strategic relationships.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Chinese or Arabic is advantageous. Knowledge of Turkish or other Middle Eastern languages is a plus.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Exhibit strong intellectual (IQ), relational (RQ), and emotional intelligence (EQ), recognizing that all three are critical for success in this role. Given the high level of interaction across the organization, individuals with strong IQ but limited EQ or RQ may struggle, as the role requires building meaningful relationships with leaders, experts, and decision-makers.
• Have a strong focus on and experience in the automotive industry.
• Thrive under pressure, managing tight timelines and shifting deadlines while demonstrating agility in complex and ambiguous situations. They must also be highly responsive to management requests.
• Are hands-on and willing to engage in execution while also elevating themselves as thought partners to regional CEOs and functional leaders.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently, both verbally and in written or presentation formats.
• Bring a fresh perspective and innovative insights, drawing on a diverse range of experiences beyond the automotive sector.
• Quickly absorb and comprehend new knowledge, particularly in areas outside their direct expertise within automotive and mobility, to support strategic and investment decision-making.
• Excel in analytical work, translating data into actionable insights and digestible formats for the business, while demonstrating strong business acumen.
• Operate effectively as a team player, collaborating across functions and levels with a deep understanding of corporate structures and decision-making processes.
• Showcase exceptional attention to detail, along with strong organizational, planning, and coordination skills.