VP, Investment Banking - Origination & Deal Execution

Apolonia Capital; Dubai; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Apolonia Capital, a Dubai-based investment banking and financial advisory firm, seeks a commercially driven Vice President to originate new business and lead mandates from initial engagement through completion.

This role requires a hands-on transaction capability, a proven track record in converting opportunities into signed mandates, and the ability to manage complex assignments across M&A, capital raising and strategic advisory. Fluency in English is essential, with Arabic a plus.

Qualifications

• Approximately 8–12 years of relevant experience in investment banking, corporate finance, transaction advisory, a Big Four deals practice or a reputable advisory boutique.
• Demonstrable experience personally originating and executing transactions.
• Evidence of at least three completed transactions, including the candidate’s specific role and contribution.
• Established relationships across the UAE and GCC with corporate decision-makers, financial institutions, investors or family offices.
• Strong understanding of M&A, capital raising, valuation, financial modelling, due diligence and transaction documentation.
• Ability to produce high-quality materials and lead execution personally rather than relying entirely on junior staff.
• Excellent commercial judgement, negotiation ability, written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong ownership mentality, urgency and accountability for measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Originate and develop relationships with corporates, banks, family offices, institutional investors and other qualified clients.
• Identify, qualify and convert opportunities into properly documented and paid advisory mandates.
• Lead the preparation of pitches, proposals, engagement letters, teasers, information memoranda and transaction materials.
• Manage transactions across M&A, equity and debt capital raising, strategic advisory, financial‑institution transactions and selected fund‑raising assignments.
• Develop transaction structures, valuation analyses, buyer and investor universes and execution strategies.
• Lead client meetings, negotiations, due diligence processes and transaction workstreams through signing and closing.
• Coordinate internal analysts, advisers and external professional parties while maintaining clear accountability and deadlines.
• Maintain complete and accurate CRM records, including prospects, mandates, next actions, probabilities, expected fees and closing dates.
• Provide disciplined weekly reporting on origination, execution, risks, decisions required and revenue conversion.
• Work closely with the CEO and senior management to prioritise mandates and deploy resources effectively.
• Uphold Apolonia’s principle of “no origination without mandate” and maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Transaction origination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance/economics/business

Job description

Apolonia Capital, a Dubai-based investment banking and financial advisory firm, seeks a commercially driven Vice President to originate new business and lead mandates from initial engagement through completion.

This role requires a hands-on transaction capability, a proven track record in converting opportunities into signed mandates, and the ability to manage complex assignments across M&A, capital raising and strategic advisory. Fluency in English is essential, with Arabic a plus.