Head of Commercial📣 Job Ad

About the Role

SCT Executive Recruitment is seeking a Head of Commercial & Business Development for a growing Saudi-based industrial organization. This senior leadership position reports directly to the CEO and is vital for supporting company expansion, meeting shareholder expectations, enhancing governance, and driving operational discipline in a specialized, project-driven environment. The role requires a leader capable of strategic thinking and hands-on execution in a fast-paced setting with shifting priorities and closely scrutinized decisions.

The Head of Commercial & Business Development will be instrumental in shaping and executing the company's commercial strategy, driving revenue growth, expanding market reach, fostering client relationships, establishing strategic partnerships, and leading the overall business development agenda. The ideal candidate will be a commercially sharp, proactive leader adept at influencing senior stakeholders and converting business opportunities into sustainable revenue streams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the comprehensive commercial and business development strategy, ensuring alignment with the company's vision and growth objectives.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable, detailed commercial plans that drive tangible results.
• Contribute to strengthening market positioning, enhancing competitive advantage, and ensuring long-term business growth.
• Identify, assess, and pursue high-value business opportunities across priority sectors, demonstrating a keen understanding of market potential.
• Proactively develop and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities through diligent market development activities.
• Formulate and implement effective market entry and expansion strategies for local and international growth initiatives.
• Continuously monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and relevant regulatory developments to inform strategic decisions.
• Cultivate and manage executive-level relationships with key clients, strategic partners, and influential stakeholders.
• Gain a deep understanding of client requirements and translate these into commercially viable and compelling solutions.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, providing strategic insights and guidance.
• Represent the company effectively in strategic meetings, industry forums, and critical commercial negotiations.
• Lead the end-to-end development of high-impact commercial proposals, bids, and client submissions, ensuring quality and competitiveness.
• Ensure all proposals are meticulously aligned with client requirements, commercial objectives, and the company's internal capabilities.
• Spearhead contract negotiations, pricing discussions, risk mitigation strategies, and the successful closure of deals.
• Ensure all commercial agreements are structured for profitability, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
• Take ownership of revenue targets and drive performance through disciplined pipeline management and proactive sales activities.
• Oversee the effective utilization of CRM systems, lead qualification processes, deal tracking, and forecasting accuracy.
• Regularly review commercial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and provide comprehensive performance updates to senior leadership.
• Prepare detailed board-level and executive reports on commercial performance, market opportunities, and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with technical, product, and operational teams to transform capabilities into market-ready offerings.
• Support the development of effective pricing strategies, customer solution designs, and robust commercialization models.
• Ensure new solutions are strategically aligned with customer needs and prevailing market demand.
• Engage proactively with government entities, regulatory bodies, strategic partners, and broader ecosystem stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue public-sector opportunities, leading competitive proposal development efforts.
• Support initiatives related to industrial localization and national development priorities, aligning business activities with Saudi Vision 2030.
• Oversee commercial projects to ensure successful delivery that meets client expectations and contractual commitments.
• Coordinate effectively with internal teams to ensure seamless project execution, optimal resource alignment, and high client satisfaction.
• Support the resolution of project-related issues and maintain strong stakeholder confidence throughout the delivery lifecycle.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing commercial and business development team, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Cultivate an environment of accountability, performance, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to team members, supporting their professional development and contributing to succession planning within the commercial function.
• Ensure strict adherence to legal, financial, and commercial governance requirements across all commercial activities.
• Identify and proactively mitigate risks associated with contracts, partnerships, proposals, and client commitments.
• Maintain high standards of commercial discipline, ethical conduct, and meticulous documentation.
• Leverage CRM, analytics, automation, and digital tools to enhance sales effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Improve forecasting accuracy, reporting capabilities, customer insights, and overall commercial decision-making processes.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, Finance, or a closely related field. A Master's degree is strongly preferred.
• A minimum of 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in commercial management, business development, sales strategy, or equivalent leadership roles.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully winning and executing significant contracts involving multiple stakeholders.
• Proven experience in B2B environments with a deep understanding of client needs, intricate market dynamics, and complex solution selling methodologies.
• Experience operating within regulated industries, managing complex proposal development processes, and implementing robust commercial governance frameworks.
• Prior experience leading teams and effectively managing cross-functional collaboration is highly desirable.

Required Skills

• Expertise in commercial strategy development and execution.
• Proficiency in business development and market expansion initiatives.
• Skilled in strategic account management and nurturing key client relationships.
• Adept at executive stakeholder management and influencing at senior levels.
• Strong capabilities in proposal and bid management, from conception to submission.
• Competence in contract negotiation and commercial risk management.
• Proficient in CRM and pipeline management for effective sales forecasting and tracking.
• Solid financial acumen, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Skilled in market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic decisions.
• Experience in project and program oversight, ensuring successful delivery.
• Exceptional leadership, team development, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Commitment to data-driven decision-making and performance management.

Work Environment and Details

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The role requires fluency in both English and Arabic. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.