Director, Corporate Development

The Director, Corporate Development within our Global Corporate Development (GCD) team plays a critical role in driving strategic growth initiatives across the Africa and Middle East (AME) region. This position involves leading the end-to-end execution of a diverse portfolio of transactions including acquisitions, investments, alliances, partnerships, and the disposal of non-core assets such as WRB Uganda and Zambia. The role requires close collaboration with key regional heads across Corporate & Institutional Banking (CIB), Wealth and Retail Banking (WRB), and SC Ventures to reinforce Standard Chartered's footprint in the AME markets.

In this high-impact role based in Dubai, you will shape and implement organic market entry strategies, ranging from establishing representative offices to forming subsidiaries. You will act as a key liaison with Global Business CEOs, senior Group functional leaders, and external advisors, ensuring full adherence to the bank’s governance framework and delegated authorities. This is an opportunity to be deeply involved with transformational corporate transactions that align with and contribute to Standard Chartered's overall strategic objectives. The role balances analytical rigor with operational execution, requiring someone with a strong grasp of both financial and risk considerations involved in complex corporate deals.

Joining Standard Chartered means contributing to a legacy of over 170 years of banking excellence and becoming part of a diverse, purpose-driven, and inclusive multinational team that values integrity and innovation.

Strategic Leadership
As Director, Corporate Development, you will evaluate the Group’s ongoing performance relative to strategic ambitions, capital frameworks, and market expectations. You will drive resource allocation decisions to optimize capital deployment across our portfolio, anticipating challenges and recommending innovative, proactive solutions to enhance growth trajectories.

• Maintain a deep understanding of the Group's strategic objectives and market dynamics, aligning transaction opportunities accordingly.
• Establish and communicate a clear vision to identify new avenues for expansion and diversification.
• Engage in ongoing dialogue with internal stakeholders and external partners to enrich the bank's strategic outlook.
• Monitor competitive landscapes to integrate best practices and maintain a forward-looking strategic posture.

Transaction Management
You will oversee comprehensive transaction evaluation and execution, ensuring each deal aligns with the bank’s strategic priorities and risk appetite.

• Lead financial modelling, valuation, and structuring efforts to assess feasibility and strategic fit.
• Direct negotiations of deal terms and documentation, ensuring favorable outcomes with manageable risks.
• Manage cross-functional teams and external advisors to drive timely transaction completion.
• Oversee post-deal integration and risk exposure management, ensuring compliance with the Group Delegated Authorities Manual and enterprise risk framework.

Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Action Oriented: Proactively takes initiative and drives results with a sense of urgency.
• Collaboration: Fosters teamwork across diverse groups and geographies, valuing different perspectives.
• Customer Focus: Places client needs at the forefront, ensuring every action contributes to exceptional service delivery.
• Clarity & Guidance: Communicates complex ideas clearly and provides direction to empower teams.
• Managing Ambiguity: Demonstrates calm and decisive leadership amidst uncertainty, making sound decisions.
• Talent Development: Mentors and supports the growth of junior team members, promoting a learning culture.
• Vision & Purpose: Aligns daily actions with the bank’s long-term strategic goals, inspiring others.
• Nimble Learning: Quickly adapts to new information, technologies, and environments.
• Decision Quality: Makes judgments with a balance of data analysis and intuition, ensuring robust outcomes.
• Courage: Advocates for bold ideas and challenges the status quo respectfully.
• Trustworthiness: Builds and sustains trust through transparency and ethical conduct.
• Strategic Mindset: Maintains a broad view of market conditions and organizational priorities.
• Technical Competencies: Demonstrates mastery of corporate finance, transaction structuring, and project management relevant to the banking industry.

Working Environment & Location

This full-time role is office-based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, offering a dynamic and collaborative workspace within a leading international financial institution. Our teams operate in an agile, global environment underpinned by a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. You will have the opportunity to engage with stakeholders across multiple regions, contributing to impactful projects that shape the bank's future in the AME region. Reap the benefits of working in a thriving financial hub supported by flexible working options, comprehensive professional development programs, and access to an extensive global network.

We seek a highly skilled professional with a strong background in banking sector corporate finance, specifically experienced in mergers and acquisitions, strategic investments, alliances, and joint ventures. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of successfully completing complex transactions, underpinned by robust financial modeling and valuation expertise.

• Advanced analytical and decision-making abilities coupled with strong commercial judgment.
• Demonstrated capability to negotiate transaction structures, terms, and conditions efficiently to secure advantageous outcomes.
• Experience in assessing and mitigating operational, reputational, and capital risks throughout transaction lifecycles.
• Ability to lead and inspire junior team members by sharing knowledge and fostering development.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and presentation skills to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Meticulous attention to detail and conscientious approach to managing complex projects.
• Thrives in high-pressure environments, delivering critical projects on time with multidisciplinary teams.

Applicants should possess fluency in English, evidenced by professional experience or academic qualifications conducted in the language. Additional language skills are advantageous but not required.

A relevant undergraduate degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related discipline is preferred. Advanced certifications (e.g., MBA, CFA) or equivalent practical experience in corporate development or investment banking will be considered a strong asset.

About Standard Chartered

Standard Chartered is a leading international bank with a proud heritage spanning more than 170 years. Known for our agility and impact, we operate across multiple markets with a unique focus on driving commerce and prosperity through our diverse workforce and global reach. Our mission is rooted in integrity, innovation, and inclusion, fueling long-term value for our clients, communities, and employees.

We embrace a culture that encourages questioning the status quo and continuously challenges ourselves to improve. As a global institution, we uphold core behavioural values that include doing the right thing, never settling for the status quo, and collaborating effectively as a unified team. We foster an environment where everyone feels respected and can thrive, supporting diverse talents to achieve their full potential.

What We Offer

As part of Standard Chartered, you will receive a competitive compensation package aligned with our Fair Pay Charter, ensuring equitable and transparent remuneration practices. We provide extensive benefits designed to support your holistic wellbeing, including mental, physical, financial, and social dimensions.

• Robust retirement savings plans, comprehensive medical coverage, and life insurance, complemented by flexible voluntary benefits tailored to individual needs and regional offerings.
• Generous paid time off including annual leave, parental and maternity leave (up to 20 weeks), sabbatical options of up to 12 months, volunteering leave, and recognized public holidays ensuring a minimum of 30 days off annually.
• Flexible working arrangements balancing in-office presence and remote work, promoting work-life harmony.
• Proactive wellbeing initiatives such as access to Unmind, a cutting-edge digital mental wellness platform, resilience training, global employee assistance programs, and trained mental health first-aiders.
• A culture of continuous learning with ample opportunities for professional development, reskilling, and upskilling through various digital, virtual, and classroom learning modalities.
• An inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is empowered to bring their authentic selves, fostering a supportive and respectful environment across the organization globally.