About the Role
AlixPartners, a global consulting firm, is seeking an experienced Performance Improvement Director to join its Energy & Process Industries (EPI) practice in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This role is key to leading and expanding the firm's Refining & Chemicals platform within the Saudi Arabian market. AlixPartners focuses on solving complex challenges for companies, moving from analysis to action to create lasting value. The EPI practice supports companies across the refining, petrochemicals, and downstream value chain, addressing strategy, operations, capital, and performance issues.
As a Director, you will act as a trusted advisor to C-level executives and boards of energy and chemicals companies, as well as institutional investors and portfolio firms. You will drive client delivery, lead business development, and manage multiple engagements simultaneously. This position offers the opportunity to work on urgent, high-impact situations, helping clients unlock value while fostering professional development in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead client delivery across strategy, operational improvement, cost transformation, and commercial performance within the refining and petrochemicals sectors.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and boards, particularly in urgent, complex, or underperforming situations.
- Oversee and coordinate multiple concurrent client engagements, ensuring excellence in delivery and achieving desired outcomes.
- Drive business development with existing and new clients by developing relationships, shaping opportunities, and securing mandates.
- Contribute to practice growth through talent development, capability building, and fostering cross-functional collaboration globally.
- Collaborate with peers in turnaround, restructuring, due diligence, and value creation to deliver multi-disciplinary solutions.
Qualifications and Requirements
- A minimum of 15 years of experience, combining strategic consulting and industry leadership within the refining, petrochemicals, or downstream sectors.
- Experience should include a blend of working at a top-tier strategy firm at a Senior Manager or Principal level, holding VP or senior functional/strategy roles at a global energy or chemicals operator, or working with an institutional investor or PE-backed portfolio company focused on value creation.
- Demonstrated ability to lead both client delivery and business development across complex client portfolios.
- Deep understanding of global energy markets, value chains, and regional dynamics; prior experience in the Middle East is a strong advantage.
- Prior involvement in M&A, commercial diligence, or post-deal transformation is considered advantageous.
- A proven track record of high-impact problem-solving, effective boardroom presence, and driving results under pressure.
- Strong academic credentials from a top university, with an advanced degree (MBA, MS) preferred.
- Advanced written communication skills, with experience in preparing client-ready documents and structuring/developing presentation materials.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, database applications, and related tools.
- Fluency in English is critical; knowledge of Arabic would be advantageous.
- High energy, flexibility, and adaptability, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to travel extensively.
- Must hold valid residency for Saudi Arabia or be able to obtain it (AlixPartners will provide administrative support for permit acquisition).
- Willingness to work outside of normal business hours as project needs arise.
- Commitment to familiarizing with, promoting, and abiding by AlixPartners' Core Values as defined by the Code of Conduct, and fostering an inclusive environment.
Required Skills
- Strategy
- Operational Improvement
- Cost Transformation
- Commercial Performance
- Business Development
- Talent Development
- Capability Building
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Turnaround
- Restructuring
- Due Diligence
- Value Creation
- Problem Solving
- Boardroom Presence
- Driving Results
- Written Communication
- Presentation Materials Development
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Database Applications
Work Environment and Location
This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the office located in the Olaya Business District. The role operates on a hybrid model, combining in-person work at client sites or the AlixPartners office with remote working. Extensive travel is expected and may vary based on project needs. Working hours are typically 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Sunday to Thursday, with flexibility required for project demands outside of normal business hours.
AlixPartners is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively promotes diversity. The firm offers market-leading benefits designed to support employee needs.