EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, or a related field is required.
• A Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) is strongly preferred.
• Additional certifications in Trade Finance, Project Finance, or International Business are an advantage.
• 10–15+ years in commercially driven roles with a strong financial component, ideally in manufacturing, energy, metals, or related heavy industries.
• Demonstrated experience in structuring trade finance and distributor financing solutions, as well as establishing JVs in emerging markets.
• Solid understanding of cross-border trade finance, credit risk management, and working capital optimization.
• A well-established network including financial institutions, ECAs, private credit providers, and regional distribution partners.
• Direct experience in Gulf, North Africa, or Europe is required.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong financial expertise in structured trade finance, project finance, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Advanced negotiation and deal-structuring capabilities (across equity, debt, and hybrid instruments).
• Proven ability to integrate commercial strategy with financial discipline (focus on ROI, credit exposure, and cash flow).
• Track record of leadership in dynamic and complex environments involving multiple stakeholders, including government entities and financial institutions.
• Proficiency in English is essential; knowledge of Arabic or French is highly desirable.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Head of Business Expansion will spearhead the company’s global growth initiatives, with a strategic focus on developing and implementing external financing solutions for distributors and strategic partners. This role plays a vital part in expanding the organization’s footprint across the Gulf, North Africa, and Europe by building distribution networks, structuring joint ventures, and facilitating access to working capital through trade finance mechanisms such as letters of credit (LCs), factoring, and credit lines.
The successful candidate will possess a strong track record in finance-led business development, particularly within the manufacturing, energy, or metals sectors, and will bring deep expertise in managing cross-border financing complexities.
Business Industry: Manufacturing
Products: Ductile Iron Pipes & Fittings
Job Location: Dubai, UAE
Reporting To: Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and/or Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Primary Focus: International Growth, Strategic Partnerships, and External Financing Solutions

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Market Expansion & Entry Strategies

• Design and implement market entry plans for key geographies (Gulf, North Africa, Europe).
• Identify and onboard distributors, agents, and joint venture partners to support expansion objectives.
• Lead negotiations for long-term partnerships, including franchise agreements and local production arrangements.

1. External Financing & Trade Solutions

• Develop and secure distributor financing structures, including credit facilities, supplier financing, and working capital solutions.
• Utilize trade finance tools such as LCs, factoring, and supply chain financing to fuel partner growth.
• Engage with banks, export credit agencies (ECAs), and development finance institutions (DFIs) to support financing needs for major initiatives.
• Optimize trade terms, payment frameworks, and risk-sharing models to improve liquidity and cash flow for partners.

1. Joint Ventures & Strategic Partnerships

• Drive the formation of joint ventures, equity partnerships, and consortiums for large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Evaluate financial feasibility, investment returns, and risk-sharing approaches for cross-border ventures.
• Collaborate with legal and finance departments to finalize shareholder agreements, funding terms, and exit strategies.

1. Commercial & Financial Leadership

• Accelerate revenue growth by aligning commercial targets with financing strategies and partner capabilities.
• Track market developments, competitor financing models, and regulatory changes impacting business expansion.
• Present strategic proposals and investment cases to executive leadership and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.