Investment Banking Director

Aventus; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 800,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Aventus, a leading investment bank, seeks an experienced M&A Director to lead its Riyadh-based team. The role combines client origination, deal execution and senior stakeholder management across Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

The successful candidate will have extensive M&A advisory experience, a track record of originating and executing mandates, and the ability to build relationships with corporate and institutional clients. Arabic language skills are preferred but not essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in M&A investment banking, corporate finance advisory or related role.
• Experience in both M&A origination and transaction execution with ability to develop client relationships into mandates.
• Previous experience covering EMEA markets preferred. Arabic language skills preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the origination of M&A mandates, developing relationships with corporates, family groups, financial sponsors, sovereign-backed entities and other key stakeholders across Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
• Experienced with end-to-end execution of M&A transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and strategic advisory mandates.
• Establish and maintain senior-level relationships with C-suite executives, board members, shareholders and key decision-makers.
• Provide strategic advice on corporate transactions, valuation, deal structuring, negotiations and transaction strategy.
• Contribute to the expansion of the firm's M&A franchise in Saudi Arabia, identifying new opportunities across sectors and supporting the development of its regional presence.
• Work alongside transaction teams, mentor junior bankers and work closely with senior management to deliver high-quality client outcomes.
• Leverage international experience and relationships to identify and execute cross-border opportunities, particularly across the EMEA region.

Job description

An established investment bank is seeking an experienced M&A Director to join its growing Riyadh-based team. This is an opportunity for a senior investment banking professional to play a leading role in the development of the firm's M&A franchise in Saudi Arabia, combining client origination, transaction execution and senior stakeholder relationship management.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of originating and executing M&A transactions, with the ability to develop new client relationships, identify strategic opportunities and lead complex mandates across a broad range of sectors.

Candidates with experience in traditional investment banking advisory, as well as those who have originated transactions from a corporate or institutional balance sheet, will be considered. Professionals with EMEA market experience are particularly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the origination of M&A mandates, developing relationships with corporates, family groups, financial sponsors, sovereign-backed entities and other key stakeholders across Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
• Experienced with end-to-end execution of M&A transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and strategic advisory mandates.
• Establish and maintain senior-level relationships with C-suite executives, board members, shareholders and key decision-makers.
• Provide strategic advice on corporate transactions, valuation, deal structuring, negotiations and transaction strategy.
• Contribute to the expansion of the firm's M&A franchise in Saudi Arabia, identifying new opportunities across sectors and supporting the development of its regional presence.
• Work alongside transaction teams, mentor junior bankers and work closely with senior management to deliver high-quality client outcomes.
• Leverage international experience and relationships to identify and execute cross-border opportunities, particularly across the EMEA region.

Candidate Requirements

• Extensive experience in M&A investment banking, corporate finance advisory or a closely related transaction-focused role.
• Demonstrable experience in both M&A origination and transaction execution, with the ability to independently develop and convert client relationships into mandates.
• A strong track record of leading complex transactions and managing senior client relationships.
• Sector-agnostic experience, with the ability to advise across multiple industries and identify opportunities beyond a single sector specialism.
• Experience gained within an investment bank, advisory boutique or relevant corporate or institutional environment. Candidates with a proven track record of originating transactions from a corporate or institutional balance sheet will also be considered.
• Previous experience covering EMEA markets, including Europe, the Middle East and/or Africa, is preferred.
• Arabic language skills are preferred but not essential.
• Existing relationships across Saudi Arabia or the wider Middle East are advantageous.