Head of Business Development

About the Role

The Head of Business Development is a regional leadership role within Al-Futtaim's Retail Division, responsible for driving business transformation, corporate development, and commercial growth initiatives across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Reporting to the Regional VP, the role partners closely with Brand GMs, Business Unit Heads, and Group leadership to identify growth opportunities, lead strategic projects, and ensure successful execution across a multi-brand portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Regional VP and Brand GMs to define and execute the regional transformation and business development portfolio.
• Establish and lead the Regional PMO, driving governance, project tracking, risk management, and delivery excellence.
• Identify and execute new commercial opportunities, including market entry, strategic partnerships, distribution, and DTC expansion.
• Lead corporate development initiatives, including M&A, joint ventures, carve-outs, divestments, and operating model redesign.
• Drive cross-functional transformation projects from strategy through execution.
• Build project management capabilities and promote best practices across the Retail Division.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 8–12+ years' experience in strategy, consulting, business development, corporate development, or transformation.
• Proven experience leading regional or multi-country projects and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience in M&A, joint ventures, restructuring, or operating model design is an advantage.
• Retail, consumer, or multi-brand industry experience preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking with excellent execution capability.
• Experience establishing PMOs and leading complex transformation programmes.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, and partnership development skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
• Willingness to travel across SEA and MENA.