Performance Improvement Director - Refining & Chemicals (Energy & Process Industries Practice)

AlixPartners; Dubai; Hybrid; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting firm is seeking an experienced Director in Dubai to lead their Refining & Chemicals platform. The role requires a minimum of 15 years in strategic consulting and industry leadership. Responsibilities include overseeing client delivery and business development, working closely with C-level executives. The firm offers a hybrid work model, competitive compensation, and a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Benefits

Comprehensive compensation package

Excellent benefit program

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in consulting and industry leadership.
• Experience at top-tier strategy firm or global energy operator.
• Demonstrated ability to lead across complex client portfolios.
• Understanding of global energy markets with Middle East experience.
• Strong academic credentials from a top university.
• Advanced proficiency in presentation and document preparation.
• Fluency in English; Arabic knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end client delivery in refining and petrochemicals.
• Serve as trusted advisor to senior executives and boards.
• Oversee multiple concurrent client engagements.
• Drive business development with existing and new clients.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Strategic consulting

Industry leadership

Problem solving

Business development

Client relationship management

Fluency in English

Advanced communication

Leadership

Flexibility and adaptability

Education

Advanced degree (MBA, MS)

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

At AlixPartners we solve the most complex and critical challenges by moving quickly from analysis to action when it really matters; value that has a lasting impact on companies, their people and the communities they serve. By understanding, respecting and honoring the needs of our employees, clients and communities AlixPartners actively promotes an inclusive environment. We strongly believe in the value that diversity brings to our experiences and are committed to the perpetual enhancements of initiatives, policies and practices. We hold ourselves accountable by providing the space for authenticity, growth and equity for everyone.

AlixPartners has embraced a hybrid work model to provide flexibility and support our employees’ work-life integration. Our hybrid model combines a mix of in-person (at client site or AlixPartners office) and remote working. Travel is part of this position but the frequency may vary based on client team and individual circumstances.

What you’ll do

Are you ready to build a future that exceeds your expectations? At AlixPartners, a leading global consulting firm, we help CEOs, boards and owners tackle their most complex high-value challenges — often those making front-page news and shaping Board Room agendas.

Our Energy & Process Industries (EPI) practice works with healthy, underperforming and distressed companies across the refining, petrochemicals and broader downstream value chain. We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Director to lead and expand our Refining & Chemicals platform. This role requires a proven leader who can drive transformational client delivery, spearhead business development and manage multiple high‑stakes engagements simultaneously.

You will collaborate with C‑level executives at national integrated and independent energy and chemicals companies as well as institutional investors and portfolio firms. Drawing on your deep industry expertise, you’ll deliver measurable results across strategy, operations, capital and performance.

As part of our collaborative, fast‑paced team you will work on urgent high‑impact situations helping clients unlock value while pursuing your own professional development and growth aspirations.

• Lead end‑to‑end client delivery across strategy, operational improvement, cost transformation and commercial performance in refining and petrochemicals
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and boards, especially in situations of urgency, complexity or underperformance
• Oversee and coordinate multiple concurrent client engagements, ensuring excellence in delivery and outcomes across teams
• Drive business development efforts with both existing and new clients, developing relationships, shaping opportunities and converting high‑value mandates
• Build and develop the practice, including talent development, capability building and cross‑functional collaboration across AlixPartners globally
• Collaborate closely with peers in turnaround, restructuring, due diligence and value creation to bring multi‑disciplinary solutions to clients and investors

This description is not designed to encompass a comprehensive listing of required activities, duties or responsibilities.

What you’ll need

• A minimum of 15 years of experience with a blend of strategic consulting and industry leadership in refining, petrochemicals or downstream
• Experience may include time with:
  • A top‑tier strategy firm at Senior Manager or Principal level
  • A global energy or chemicals operator in VP or senior functional/strategy roles
  • An institutional investor or PE‑backed portfolio company with a focus on value creation
• Demonstrated ability to lead both delivery and business development across complex client portfolios
• Deep understanding of global energy markets, value chains and regional dynamics, with experience in the Middle East a strong plus
• Prior involvement in M&A commercial diligence or post‑deal transformation is advantageous
• A track record of high‑impact problem solving, boardroom presence and driving results under pressure
• Strong academic credentials from a top university; advanced degree (MBA, MS)
• Advanced written communication skills, experienced with preparing client‑ready documents as well as structuring and developing presentation materials
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, database applications and other related tools
• Fluency in English is critical; Arabic knowledge would be advantageous
• High energy, style, flexible and adaptive with the ability to work well in a very fast‑paced environment
• Willingness to travel extensively
• You will hold valid residency for UAE and Saudi or be able to obtain such (administrative support will be provided by AlixPartners to obtain permits); in principle ability to obtain work permit to travel and work across EU
• Willingness to work outside of normal business hours and in particular as unique projects/needs arise
• Must become familiar with and promote and abide by our Core Values as defined by the AlixPartners Code of Conduct and foster an inclusive environment with people at all levels of an organization

In addition to a positive workplace the firm offers a comprehensive compensation package, including an excellent benefit program.

Required Experience:

Director