Investment Director

Lifera; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm in Riyadh is seeking an experienced Investment Director to spearhead its investment strategy across biotech and healthcare sectors in the KSA and GCC markets. The ideal candidate will possess over 15 years of relevant experience, with a strong focus on deal execution and strategic investment opportunities. This role involves leading all aspects of transaction management, ensuring alignment with corporate governance and local regulations while contributing to the expansion of the company's portfolio.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in Private Equity, Investment Banking, or Corporate Development, with a focus on Healthcare/Pharma/CDMO/Biotechnology.
• At least 5 years in a managerial role or higher.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification, evaluation, and execution of strategic investment opportunities.
• Develop and execute the Group’s investment strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Build and maintain a robust deal pipeline across KSA and GCC.
• Structure and negotiate transaction terms successfully.

Skills

Investment & Deal Execution Capability

Strategic & Commercial Judgment

Sector & Regulatory Understanding

Senior Stakeholder Communication & Execution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Engineering, or Life Sciences

Master’s degree (MBA, MSc Finance)

Professional certifications (CFA, CPA)

Job description

The Investment Director will lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of strategic investment opportunities, including Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, and equity investments. This role is pivotal in expanding the company's portfolio in biotech, generic manufacturing, and specialized therapeutics within the KSA and GCC markets.

Area of Responsibility:

• Develop and execute the Group’s investment and inorganic growth strategy in alignment with corporate objectives.
• Proactively originate investment opportunities (M&A, JV, equity stakes) across biotech, generics, CDMO, specialty pharma, and adjacent healthcare sectors.
• Build and maintain a robust deal pipeline across KSA and GCC through industry networks, advisors, banks, and strategic partners.
• Monitor market trends, valuation benchmarks, regulatory developments, and competitive landscapes within the life sciences sector.
• Lead commercial, financial, operational, and strategic due diligence for potential transactions.
• Oversee development of financial models, valuation analyses (DCF, comparables, precedent transactions), and investment papers.
• Assess synergies, risks, integration complexity, and value-creation levers.
• Coordinate with internal teams (Finance, Legal, Strategy, Operations, Regulatory) and external advisors.
• Structure and negotiate transaction terms, including valuation, governance, shareholder agreements, earn-outs, and exit mechanisms.
• Lead negotiations with target companies, shareholders, regulators, and advisors.
• Manage transaction timelines, approvals, and execution to successful closing.
• Ensure full compliance with corporate governance, regulatory, and Shariah considerations where applicable.
• Support post-merger integration (PMI) and ongoing investment monitoring.
• Track performance against investment thesis and value-creation plans.
• Represent the Group in board or observer roles, where applicable.
• Recommend corrective actions, additional investments, or exit strategies as needed.
• Prepare investment memoranda and presentations for Executive Management, Investment Committee, and Board.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Group CFO and senior leadership on inorganic growth matters.
• Ensure investments align with Vision 2030, localization initiatives, and healthcare ecosystem development in KSA.

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Engineering, or Life Sciences.
• Master’s degree (MBA, MSc Finance) strongly preferred.
• Professional certifications (CFA, CPA) highly advantageous.

Work Experience:

15+ years (with at least 5 years managerial or higher role) in Private Equity, Investment Banking, or Corporate Development, Strategic Investment with specifically in Healthcare/Pharma/CDMO/Biotechnology.

Required Skills:

MUST HAVE:

• Investment & Deal Execution Capability.
• Strategic & Commercial Judgment.
• Sector & Regulatory Understanding.
• Senior Stakeholder Communication & Execution.

PREFERRED / ADVANTEGEUOS:

• Experience supporting localization, technology transfer, or national industrial development strategies, particularly within healthcare or life sciences.
• Experience working in multinational, cross-functional, or sovereign-linked environments.
• Ability to balance financial returns with long-term strategic and national value creation.
• Cultural intelligence and effectiveness in diverse, regional, and international stakeholder settings.