Senior Portfolio Manager - PPP & Investment Strategy (PIS001)

Foreground.; Jid Hafs; On-site; BHD 31,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm in Bahrain is seeking a Senior Manager - PPP & Investment Strategy to lead large-scale public-private partnership initiatives. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in project development, financial modelling, and negotiation skills. This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge the public and private sectors, driving projects that deliver sustainable financial returns and socio-economic value.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in PPP project development, privatization, or investment strategy.
• Proven track record in leading full transaction cycles.
• Strong understanding of PPP legal frameworks and risk allocation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute investment strategies for PPP initiatives.
• Lead end-to-end project development cycles from needs assessment to financial close.
• Build and review advanced financial models for investment decisions.

Skills

Financial modelling

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Analytical mindset

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or Engineering

Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent)

Job description

Foreground is partnering with a well known investment group headquartered in Bahrain, with a diversified portfolio spanning technology, fintech, and energy. Renowned for identifying high-growth ventures and unlocking value through active ownership, the firm continues to shape the future of strategic investments across the region.

They are looking to hire a high‑calibre Senior Manager - PPP & Investment Strategy to lead the design, execution, and management of large-scale public‑private partnership (PPP) initiatives, privatization projects, and strategic investment programs across diversified sectors.

This role is ideal for a commercially‑minded professional with a proven track record in structuring complex PPP and privatization deals, building robust financial models, developing investment strategies, and leading multi‑stakeholder negotiations. The successful candidate will bridge the gap between public sector opportunity and private sector execution, driving projects that deliver sustainable financial returns and long‑term socio‑economic value.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Investment & Portfolio Management

• Develop and execute investment strategies aligned with organizational objectives, focusing on infrastructure, utilities, healthcare, and real estate sectors.
• Oversee the management of a diversified PPP and investment portfolio, ensuring optimal asset allocation, performance, and long-term value creation.
• Conduct market analysis and identify opportunities for new PPP structures, privatization deals, and asset monetization.

PPP & Privatization Project Structuring

• Lead end‑to‑end project development cycles - from needs assessment and feasibility studies to business case preparation, tendering, and financial close.
• Structure innovative PPP models and delivery approaches (e.g. availability payment, land lease, lease‑leaseback) to attract private investment while ensuring project bankability.
• Manage the preparation and issuance of all transaction documents, including EoIs, RFQs, RFPs, concession agreements, and term sheets.

Financial Modelling & Business Case Development

• Build and review advanced financial models, incorporating NPV, IRR, DSCR, and ROI analyses to support investment decisions and risk assessment.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses, scenario modelling, and stress testing to evaluate project viability and optimize funding structures.
• Develop investment‑grade business cases and HBU (Highest & Best Use) studies to inform strategic decision‑making.

Transaction Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead negotiations with government entities, developers, investors, and financial institutions to secure commercially sound and balanced agreements.
• Drive governance and evaluation processes, including technical and financial committee reviews, evaluation reporting, and audit‑ready documentation.
• Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration with legal, commercial, and technical teams to ensure project compliance and successful delivery.

Market Intelligence & Partnership Development

• Conduct market sounding activities to test investor appetite, integrate market feedback, and refine project structures and KPIs.
• Foster strategic partnerships with key public and private stakeholders to unlock new opportunities and enhance transaction outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or Engineering; Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum 8+ years of progressive experience in PPP project development, privatization, investment strategy, or infrastructure finance, ideally within a corporate investment, advisory, or government‑linked environment.
• Proven track record of leading full transaction cycles including feasibility studies, financial modelling, tendering, and negotiations.
• Strong understanding of PPP legal frameworks, risk allocation mechanisms, performance securities, and concession structures.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, cross‑sector portfolios and complex stakeholder environments.
• Professional certifications such as CP3P, PMP, or CFA are advantageous.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and analytical mindset with commercial and financial acumen.
• Advanced expertise in financial modelling and investment analysis.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent command of PPP frameworks, procurement processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Fluent in English; Arabic proficiency is a strong advantage.