Role Purpose
The Head of Corporate & Business Development provides strategic and operational leadership to drive long-term growth and transformation within the fuel and retail sector. The role combines mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategy, new project development, network upgrades and revamps, and market innovation. The position is central to deal execution, change management, and the seamless integration of acquisitions, ensuring initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Growth & Corporate Development
• Formulate and execute corporate growth and development strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships within the downstream fuel and retail sectors.
• Lead deal execution from due diligence and risk assessment through valuation, structuring, and post-merger integration.
• Provide strategic guidance to executive leadership on investments, acquisitions, and capital allocation.

Research, Market Analysis & Business Intelligence
• Conduct ongoing research and market analysis to monitor industry trends, competitor activity, regulatory developments, and consumer behaviour.
• Translate market insights into actionable growth strategies, project opportunities, and product or service innovations.
• Prepare high-quality reports and board-level presentations to support informed decision-making.

New Project Development & Capital Investments
• Lead the development of project implementation plans, ensuring technical, financial, and operational feasibility.
• Oversee the maintenance, improvement, and evaluation of plants, facilities, and assets.
• Ensure all projects are delivered within approved budgets and timelines, maintaining strict cost discipline and return-on-investment targets.
• Manage and coordinate service providers, contractors, and consultants to ensure performance standards and deadlines are met.

Acquisition Integration & Change Management
• Direct the operational takeover and integration of new acquisitions to ensure alignment with systems, culture, and brand standards.
• Champion change management initiatives to ensure teams and processes adapt effectively to new operations and strategic direction.
• Collaborate closely with operational partners to ensure sustainable performance post-integration.

Governance, Compliance & ESG / Sustainability
• Oversee strategic and operational reporting, providing regular updates to executive leadership and the board.
• Ensure full regulatory, environmental, and corporate compliance, including safety, legal, and ESG / sustainability standards.
• Implement robust risk management practices across all transactions and projects.
• Drive sustainability initiatives that strengthen long-term operational resilience and ethical governance.

Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing, cross-functional team across strategy, finance, and operations.
• Foster strong collaboration across internal teams and maintain productive relationships with partners, suppliers, regulators, and investors.
• Represent the organisation with external stakeholders to strengthen market positioning and strategic relationships.