Section Head Business Development & Strategy

PARCO - Pak-Arab Refinery Limited is seeking a Section Head for Business Development & Strategy in Karachi, Pakistan. This leadership role requires expertise in strategic opportunity evaluation, financial modeling, and business development within the energy sector. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and experience in areas like M&A and regulatory policy. Responsibilities include leading strategic initiatives, developing investment cases, and engaging with stakeholders.
Pak-Arab Refinery Limited Pak-Arab Refinery Limited (PARCO), an integrated energy conglomerate, is a Joint Venture between Pakistan and Emirate of Abu Dhabi. PARCO owns and operates Pakistan’s most modern refinery, over 2,000 kms of pipeline network, strategic storage facilities and marketing operations. The Company has Joint Ventures with renowned international companies and is continually following an aggressive growth strategy with planned expansions, acquisitions, and penetration into new markets.


PARCO is seeking applications for the position of
Business Development & Strategy Lead
.


PARCO is seeking a high-caliber, commercially sharp, and intellectually curious professional to head its Strategy & Business Development function. This is a leadership role for individuals who can operate at executive level, shape long-term corporate direction, and convert complex strategic opportunities into bankable and executable business cases.


The ideal candidate should bring strong financial modelling capability, strategic thinking, business development experience, executive communication skills and the ability to work across ambiguity with senior leadership, regulators, lenders, advisors, and cross-functional teams.


Candidates with demonstrated experience in energy, infrastructure, renewables, corporate finance, investment evaluation, transaction advisory, project finance, regulatory policy, M&A, consulting, business development, policy, or data analytics are strongly encouraged to apply.


Role Purpose
The Section Head: Strategy & Business Development will lead strategic opportunity evaluation, investment case development, financial modelling, policy analysis, and executive decision support across PARCO’s core and adjacent energy businesses.The role is responsible for converting strategic ideas into structured, financeable, and executable business cases while ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and long-term value creation.


Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Opportunity Development



Lead identification, evaluation, and prioritization of strategic growth opportunities across refining, pipelines, logistics, storage, petrochemicals, power, renewables, low-carbon fuels, trading, and infrastructure.
Translate corporate strategy into structured workplans, feasibility studies, investment proposals, policy positions, and implementation roadmaps.
Assess strategic fit, challenge assumptions, evaluate risks, and provide clear go/no-go recommendations.

Business Development, Investment & Project Finance

Lead development and review of business cases, financial models, feasibility studies, investment memoranda, and transaction analyses.
Drive financial modelling including IRR, NPV, WACC, DSCR, debt capacity, tariffs, sensitivities, and scenario analysis.
Evaluate M&A, JVs, concessions, partnerships, and infrastructure investment structures.
Coordinate with advisors, consultants, lenders, legal, and technical experts to ensure bankable project design.

Policy, Regulatory & Stakeholder Engagement

Lead policy and regulatory analysis covering tariffs, pricing frameworks, taxation, energy transition, infrastructure regulation, and sector reforms.
Develop policy briefs, regulatory submissions, Board papers, and stakeholder engagement materials.
Support executive leadership in negotiations with ministries, regulators, shareholders, and strategic partners.

AI-Enabled Productivity & Decision Support

Use AI-enabled tools responsibly to improve market intelligence, scenario planning, policy research, financial analysis, knowledge management and executive reporting.
Develop dashboards, decision frameworks, and knowledge systems to improve speed and quality of decision-making.
Ensure responsible and secure use of AI tools with proper governance, validation, and judgment.

Executive Communication & Leadership

Prepare Board, Investment Committee, and Executive Management presentations and decision memoranda.
Lead, mentor, and develop team members while ensuring high analytical rigor and delivery standards.
Build a high-performance, execution-focused, and collaborative team culture.

Education & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Data Analytics, or related discipline from an HEC-recognized institution OR Professional certifications such as CFA, CA, ACCA, FRM, PMP, or equivalent
Master’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Public Policy, Energy Economics or related field will be preferred.