Cluster Head of Strategy and Business Development

The head of Strategy & Business Development for the Cluster oversees strategic planning, market expansion, and business development activities across a defined group of countries. The role ensures strategic alignment with global and regional headquarters while adapting the strategy to local market dynamics, regulatory environments, and country-specific growth opportunities.

They drives regional competitiveness, lead cross-country initiatives, and supports country leaders in executing high‑impact projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Cluster Strategy & Regional Leadership

• Develop and execute the multi-year strategic roadmap for the assigned cluster of countries.
• Adapt global/regional strategy to local market conditions, ensuring relevance and feasibility.
• Assess country performance, identify structural challenges, and recommend interventions.
• Support country GMs / Managing Directors in aligning local priorities with cluster objectives.

Market Expansion & Business Development

• Identify new growth opportunities across the cluster: market entry, partnerships, product expansion, JV opportunities, or new commercial models.
• Evaluate potential for expansion into adjacent countries within the cluster.
• Drive portfolio optimization based on market maturity, competition, and economic environment.
• Lead the end‑to‑end development of new business cases and investment proposals.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Strategic Investments

• Screen and evaluate acquisition targets, partnerships, or divestiture opportunities in cluster countries.
• Manage due diligence, valuation, negotiation, and integration plans in coordination with group Corporate Development teams.
• Build relationships with regional investors, regulators, ministries, and potential partners.

Market Intelligence & Country Insights

• Oversee competitive intelligence, macroeconomic analysis, and regulatory monitoring across all countries in the cluster.
• Maintain a periodic “Cluster Strategic Insights Dashboard” for the executive committee.
• Highlight cross‑border risks and opportunities, including geopolitical shifts, regulatory changes, and evolving consumer trends.

Cross‑Country Project Leadership

• Lead transformation initiatives across multiple countries (digital transformation, cost optimization, supply chain redesign, commercial excellence, etc.).
• Create cluster‑level governance frameworks and execution playbooks.
• Ensure knowledge sharing and best practice transfer across country teams.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Act as strategic partner to country leaders, regional executives, and global HQ.
• Present cluster opportunities, risks, and recommendations to group leadership and the board.
• Engage with regulators, government bodies, strategic partners, and key industry stakeholders.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 10–15+ years of experience in strategy, business development, corporate development, or management consulting.
• Strong track record working in multi-country, multicultural environments.
• Experience operating in complex regulatory or emerging markets is a strong plus.
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams in geographically dispersed markets.
• Strong financial modelling, market analysis, and business case development capabilities.