Our client is a prominent, large-scale multi-industry conglomerate with extensive operations spanning Real Estate Development, Hotel & Hospitality Assets, Food Manufacturing, and F&B/Restaurant chains. Expanding aggressively across key regional hubs, the group is seeking a highly analytical, hands-on, and strategic Chief Investment Officer (CIO) to oversee its investment portfolio, lead in-house feasibility and financial modeling, direct deal structuring, and drive cross-sector capital allocation while reporting directly to the Group CEO. (Note: Primary location is Baghdad, Iraq (75% of the time) with periodic travel to Qatar (25%); residency provided). Key Responsibilities
- Hands-On Feasibility & Financial Modeling: Personally lead the in-house creation of complex financial models, DCF valuations, feasibility studies, and project projections across Real Estate, Hospitality, FMCG, and F&B without heavy reliance on third-party consultancies.
- Portfolio & Investment Strategy: Partner with the Group CEO and Board on overarching capital allocation; evaluate cross-sector growth opportunities in Iraq, Qatar, and the broader Middle East; draft strategic investment memos for board presentation.
- Deal Execution & Structuring: Oversee end-to-end deal structuring, debt/equity financing, corporate negotiations, and joint venture closures for new projects and site acquisitions.
- Asset & Operational Monitoring: Track ROI, IRR, and operational KPIs for existing real estate developments, hotel properties, factories, and restaurant chains against initial feasibility benchmarks; drive asset optimization and exit strategies.
- Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and direct an internal team of investment and financial analysts toward technical excellence.
Key Qualifications
- Experience: 15 to 20+ years of senior investment leadership within large-scale organizations or conglomerates, with direct experience across Real Estate, Hospitality, and FMCG/F&B sectors.
- Education & Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or Business Administration; CFA Charterholder status and/or an MBA in Finance is strongly preferred.
- Technical Mastery: Superior hands-on financial modeling, valuation, deal structuring, and cross-sector M&A expertise.
- Languages: Native-level Arabic is strictly required; fluent corporate English required.
- Location & Mobility: Based primarily in Baghdad, Iraq (~75%) with travel to Qatar (~25%) (Middle East candidates preferred; Iraq market experience is a major plus).
- Work Logistics: 5 to 6 working days per week; joining timeline as per executive notice period/agreement.