Investment Director

Lifera; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm in Saudi Arabia is seeking an experienced Investment Director to identify and execute strategic investment opportunities within the biotech and healthcare sectors. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in investment-related roles, including a minimum of 5 years in managerial positions. Strong capabilities in deal execution, strategic judgment, and senior stakeholder communication are essential. This role offers a chance to drive investment strategies aligned with Vision 2030 and contribute to localization initiatives.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute investment strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
• Originate investment opportunities across biotech and healthcare sectors.
• Lead due diligence for potential transactions.
• Structure and negotiate transaction terms.

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.