Trading Business Development Manager - Mergers and Acquisitions

ADNOC Abu Dhabi UAE; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

ADNOC Group in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Trading Business Development Manager (M&A) to lead execution of strategic investments across trading and downstream businesses. You will originate opportunities, manage deal teams, and translate strategic opportunities into investment recommendations for senior leadership.

The role requires 10–12 years in M&A or related fields, strong financial modelling, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate development, investment banking, transaction advisory, private equity or strategy.
• Experience in energy, oil and gas, downstream or commodity trading is strongly preferred.
• Ability to coordinate external advisors and manage multidisciplinary transaction workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Originate, identify and evaluate M&A, joint venture, strategic partnership and divestment opportunities across global markets.
• Lead day-to-day execution of assigned M&A and investment transactions through the deal lifecycle.
• Develop investment business cases and perform financial valuations using DCF, comparables and other methodologies.
• Coordinate due diligence across commercial, financial, legal, technical and tax disciplines.
• Support commercial negotiations and structuring to protect ADNOC's interests.
• Prepare governance materials for investment approvals and manage stakeholder relationships.

Skills

M&A

Financial modelling

Due diligence

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or related

Tools

Excel

Job description

Trading Business Development Manager - Mergers and Acquisitions Job Snapshot - Role: Trading Business Development Manager - Mergers and Acquisitions - Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Oil and Energy - Function: Mergers & Acquisitions - Experience: 10-12 years in M&A, corporate development, investment banking, transaction advisory, private equity or strategy - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

ADNOC Group is seeking an experienced Mergers and Acquisitions professional to lead the execution of strategic investment, joint venture, partnership and business development opportunities across its Trading and Downstream businesses. The role forms part of the Trading Business Development (M&A) function and is responsible for progressing assigned transactions from origination and initial screening through financial evaluation, due diligence, commercial negotiations, investment approvals and transaction completion. Working closely with senior leadership and multidisciplinary deal teams, the successful candidate will develop investment business cases, assess transaction risks, coordinate external advisors and ensure that proposed investments align with ADNOC 's investment criteria, risk appetite and portfolio strategy. The position also supports organic and inorganic growth opportunities across gas, refining, fuels distribution, marketing, commodity trading and shipping, translating strategic opportunities into commercially sound investment recommendations for executive management and governance committees.

Key Accountabilities

M&A Origination and Investment Pipeline Management

• Originate, identify and evaluate mergers and acquisitions, joint venture, strategic partnership and divestment opportunities across global trading and downstream markets.
• Screen potential transactions against ADNOC 's strategic priorities, commercial objectives and investment requirements.
• Prioritize opportunities based on strategic fit, financial attractiveness, execution feasibility and associated risks.
• Maintain accurate information on assigned transactions within the Trading Business Development deal pipeline.
• Identify potential acquisition targets, investment partners and new business opportunities through market intelligence and stakeholder engagement.
• Translate strategic growth themes into actionable transaction opportunities and structured evaluation workplans.

Transaction Execution and Deal Management

• Lead the day-to-day execution of assigned M&A and investment transactions throughout the deal lifecycle.
• Act as a workstream lead within transaction teams, coordinating financial modelling, valuation, due diligence, risk assessment and deal documentation.
• Establish transaction workplans, milestones and deliverables in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor transaction progress, identify execution barriers and coordinate appropriate actions.
• Support commercial negotiations and transaction structuring to protect ADNOC 's financial and strategic interests.
• Ensure assigned transactions progress efficiently through evaluation, negotiation, approval and closing stages.
• Coordinate transaction activities with internal functions, external advisors and relevant counterparties.

Investment Business Cases and Financial Valuation

• Develop comprehensive business cases for acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships and other investment opportunities.
• Assess market conditions, commercial value propositions, financial economics, strategic benefits and implementation requirements.
• Build and review advanced financial models supporting transaction evaluations and investment decisions.
• Apply discounted cash flow (DCF), trading comparables and transaction comparables valuation methodologies.
• Calculate and assess investment return indicators, including Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV) and payback periods.
• Perform low, base and high scenario assessments to evaluate potential investment outcomes.
• Review financial assumptions, valuation sensitivities and commercial risks to support robust investment recommendations.
• Prepare clear conclusions and supporting analysis for senior leadership and investment governance committees.

Due Diligence Planning and Coordination

• Coordinate commercial, financial, legal, technical and tax due diligence activities for assigned transactions.
• Define due diligence requirements, deliverables and timelines in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external advisors.
• Manage advisor workstreams and monitor progress against agreed scopes and schedules.
• Review due diligence findings to identify material transaction risks, commercial value drivers and potential mitigation measures.
• Consolidate technical, financial and commercial findings into decision-ready reports.
• Ensure relevant due diligence outcomes are reflected in transaction valuations, business cases and negotiation positions.
• Coordinate the resolution of outstanding due diligence matters before relevant investment approvals.

Commercial Negotiations and Transaction Documentation

• Support negotiations with acquisition targets, counterparties, investors and prospective business partners.
• Evaluate proposed commercial terms and transaction structures.
• Work with Legal and Commercial teams to review and negotiate transaction documentation.
• Support the preparation and assessment of term sheets and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
• Provide commercial and financial input on Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Shareholders ' Agreements (SHAs) and joint venture agreements.
• Identify contractual provisions and commercial arrangements that may affect transaction value or risk exposure.
• Coordinate with relevant specialists to ensure negotiated terms remain consistent with ADNOC 's investment objectives and risk requirements.

Investment Governance and Approval Management

• Prepare investment committee submissions, executive briefings and Board approval materials.
• Ensure investment recommendations are supported by reliable financial assumptions, appropriate due diligence and comprehensive risk assessments.
• Coordinate the preparation of governance documentation required for transaction approvals.
• Verify compliance with ADNOC 's investment governance procedures and Delegation of Authority requirements.
• Present clear transaction analysis and recommendations to senior executives and relevant governance stakeholders.
• Address questions and information requests arising during investment review and approval processes.
• Maintain appropriate documentation supporting transaction decisions and approvals.

Market Intelligence and Strategic Opportunity Assessment

• Conduct market research and competitor analysis across trading, energy and downstream sectors.
• Identify potential acquisition targets, emerging business models and relevant changes in global market dynamics.
• Evaluate developments affecting gas, refining, fuels distribution, marketing, commodity trading and shipping.
• Analyse commercial trends, investment opportunities and market conditions that may influence transaction decisions.
• Prepare periodic market intelligence reports and strategic insights for senior leadership.
• Support the assessment of organic and inorganic growth opportunities within ADNOC 's downstream portfolio.

Stakeholder Engagement and Deal Coordination

• Work closely with the Vice President, Business Development (M&A) - Trading and DM&T Strategy.
• Coordinate with AGT, AT and other ADNOC Trading entities on assigned business development opportunities.
• Engage with Downstream Business Lines, Asset Management and ADNOC Group Companies.
• Collaborate with Finance and Investment, Legal, Commercial, Tax and Risk teams throughout transaction evaluations.
• Align financial assumptions, evaluation methodologies and commercial positions across relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain effective communication with external advisors, banks, consultants, counterparties and potential partners.
• Liaise with government entities and relevant authorities when required for transaction activities.

Value Creation and Post-Transaction Integration

• Incorporate integration requirements and value creation considerations into transaction planning and evaluation.
• Assess potential operational, commercial and financial synergies during investment analysis.
• Prepare integration handover materials to support the transition from transaction execution to post-closing activities.
• Coordinate with relevant teams to establish appropriate value realization tracking arrangements.
• Support monitoring of realized transaction value against expected synergies and approved investment assumptions.
• Identify material differences between expected and actual outcomes for relevant stakeholder review.

Transaction Tools and Process Improvement

• Contribute to the development and improvement of standardized M&A tools, templates and valuation models.
• Recommend enhancements to transaction evaluation methods and execution procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve transaction quality, analytical consistency and delivery efficiency.
• Apply relevant industry practices to strengthen due diligence, financial modelling and investment governance.
• Support the use of data analytics and AI-enabled tools to improve deal screening, analysis and execution.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that reduce transaction processing time and strengthen decision-making.

Operational Planning and Transaction Cost Control

• Contribute to the Division 's annual operational plan and deal pipeline objectives.
• Translate approved objectives into transaction-specific workplans and delivery priorities.
• Manage transaction-related costs, including external advisor fees, within approved budgets.
• Monitor expenditure against allocated transaction budgets.
• Investigate and report significant cost variances.
• Support efficient use of financial and professional advisory resources throughout assigned transactions.

Risk Management and Corporate Compliance

• Identify, assess and report transaction-related risks in accordance with the Corporate Integrated Risk Management System.
• Apply ADNOC 's M&A governance processes, standards and internal controls.
• Maintain confidentiality when handling commercially sensitive transaction and investment information.
• Uphold business ethics and comply with the Company Code of Conduct.
• Ensure assigned activities comply with applicable company policies and procedures.
• Follow relevant Health, Safety and Environment policies, legislation and ADNOC Codes of Practice.

Performance Management and People Development

• Achieve agreed individual performance objectives in accordance with the Company Performance Management System.
• Guide and review the work of Senior Specialists and analysts assigned to transaction teams.
• Provide technical guidance on financial modelling, due diligence, valuation and transaction execution.
• Coach and share knowledge with team members to strengthen M&A capabilities.
• Support the development of UAE National graduates and contribute to ADNOC 's Emiratisation objectives.
• Promote effective collaboration and knowledge sharing across multidisciplinary deal teams.

Management Information and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely records of assigned transaction activities.
• Prepare deal pipeline updates, transaction status reports and progress summaries.
• Report key milestones, transaction risks, outstanding issues and approval requirements to senior management.
• Ensure investment and transaction information remains consistent across management reports and governance submissions.
• Provide relevant inputs for divisional performance monitoring and operational planning.

Communication and Working Relationships

Internal Stakeholders

• Vice President, Business Development (M&A) - Trading.
• DM&T Strategy.
• AGT, AT and other ADNOC Trading entities.
• Downstream Business Lines and Asset Management.
• Finance and Investment.
• Legal, Commercial, Tax and Risk teams.
• ADNOC Group Companies.
• Senior management and investment governance committees.

External Stakeholders

• Transaction counterparties and potential business partners.
• Acquisition targets and investment stakeholders.
• External legal, financial, technical and tax advisors.
• Investment banks and financial institutions.
• Consultants and professional service providers.
• Government entities and relevant regulatory authorities, as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Minimum Education

• Bachelor 's degree in Engineering, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Master 's degree, such as an MBA or MSc in Finance, is preferred.

Professional Experience

• 10-12 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate development, investment banking, transaction advisory, private equity or strategy.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience executing multiple transactions through to closing.
• Experience in energy, oil and gas, downstream or commodity trading is strongly preferred.
• Experience in structured finance, principal investing or business development within a commodity trading house is highly relevant.
• Experience structuring and financing transactions, including acquisition finance, project finance, trade finance, prepayment arrangements and offtake-linked structures.
• Ability to evaluate investment opportunities from a principal investor 's perspective.
• Experience coordinating external advisors and managing multidisciplinary transaction workstreams.
• Working knowledge of investment governance, approval processes and executive-level decision-making requirements.

Financial and Transaction Expertise

• Advanced financial modelling and investment valuation skills.
• Strong understanding of DCF valuation, trading comparables and transaction comparables.
• Ability to evaluate investment returns using IRR, NPV, payback and scenario analysis.
• Sound knowledge of commercial, financial, legal, technical and tax due diligence processes.
• Understanding of transaction documentation, including term sheets, SPAs, SHAs and joint venture agreements.
• Knowledge of transaction structuring, financing arrangements and commercial negotiations.
• Ability to assess investment risks, strategic alignment and potential value creation opportunities.
• Capability to develop clear investment recommendations and present complex financial information to senior executives.

Professional Certifications

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
• ACA or ACCA.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Recognized corporate finance or mergers and acquisitions certification.

Core and Technical Competencies

• Performance and Contract Management - Performance Management Design and Implementation - Level 3 - Performance Management and KPI Alignment - Level 3 - Contracts Management and Administration - Level 3 Market and Commercial Capabilities - Market Economics, Supply and Demand - Level 3 - Commercial Negotiations - Level 3 - Market Intelligence - Level 3 - Commodity and Emission Trading - Level 3 - Trading and Deal Execution Processes - Level 3 Governance and Stakeholder Management - Regulatory Compliance Management - Level 3 - Stakeholder Management - Level 3 - Leadership Development - Level 3 Process Improvement and Digital Capabilities - Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement - Level 3 - AI Fluency - Level 3 - AI-Driven Process Optimization - Level 4 - Intelligent Data Interpretation - Level 4

Professional Capabilities

• Strong commercial judgment and investment evaluation skills.
• Ability to manage complex transactions and multiple workstreams.
• Excellent analytical, financial modelling and problem-solving capabilities.
• Effective negotiation support and stakeholder management.
• Strong written communication and executive presentation skills.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive investment business cases and governance submissions.
• Sound understanding of transaction risks, commercial structures and investment approval requirements.
• Ability to guide analysts and specialists while coordinating internal and external deal participants.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage transaction deadlines and competing priorities.

The role supports ADNOC Group 's strategic investment and growth objectives through disciplined transaction execution, financial analysis and effective stakeholder coordination. The successful candidate will combine hands‑on M&A experience with strong commercial and analytical capabilities to advance investment opportunities, support informed governance decisions and contribute to long-term value creation across ADNOC 's Trading and Downstream businesses.