Investment Banking Director

Aventus Global Talent; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Aventus Global Talent is seeking an accomplished M&A Director for its Riyadh team to lead origination, execution and senior stakeholder management on high-profile Saudi transactions.

The role requires a proven track record in originating and closing mandates, with cross-border experience in EMEA and the ability to develop new client relationships.

Mentor junior bankers and collaborate with senior management to drive deal strategy and grow the firm’s regional M&A footprint.

Qualifications

• Senior investment banking professional with a strong track record in originating and executing M&A mandates.
• Ability to develop new client relationships and convert them into mandates.
• Experience leading complex transactions and managing senior client relationships.
• Experience across multiple sectors and cross-border opportunities in EMEA preferred.
• Arabic language skills preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the origination of M&A mandates with corporates, family groups, financial sponsors, sovereign-backed entities and other key stakeholders across Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
• Execute end-to-end 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

About the OpportunityAn 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.