HEAD OF FINANCE

JOB DESCRIPTION – HEAD OF FINANCE

Location: Saudi Arabia

Industry: Pharmaceuticals (API / Formulations / Global Generics)

Experience: 6-15 Years

About the Company

We are a global pharmaceutical organization with strong capabilities across Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), formulations, and research & development. With a presence in regulated markets including the EU and US, the organization is committed to delivering high-quality, compliant, and affordable medicines worldwide.

Role Overview

The Head of Finance will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for driving the financial strategy, governance, and performance of the organization’s operations in Saudi Arabia. This role requires a seasoned finance leader with deep experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including exposure to regulated markets, complex supply chains, and global compliance standards.

Strategic Financial Leadership

· Lead the overall financial strategy aligned with global business objectives

· Partner with CFO and Board to drive long-term growth, profitability, and value creation

· Provide strategic insights on investments, M&A opportunities, and expansion in GCC and Middle Eastern markets

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

· Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling processes

· Drive performance tracking and variance analysis across business units

· Ensure robust financial planning aligned with commercial and operational goals

Compliance & Regulatory Governance

· Ensure compliance with IFRS and applicable Saudi Arabian regulations

· Maintain strong internal controls and corporate governance frameworks

· Oversee financial compliance related to pharmaceutical regulations and pricing structures

Global Pharma Finance Operations

· Manage financial aspects of API and formulation businesses, including costing, margins, and pricing strategies

· Support supply chain finance, inventory management, and working capital optimization

· Drive cost efficiency without compromising quality or compliance

Risk Management & Controls

· Develop and implement enterprise risk management frameworks

· Ensure proactive identification and mitigation of financial, operational, and compliance risks

· Oversee audit processes (internal & external) and ensure audit readiness

Investor Relations & Stakeholder Management

· Engage with investors, banks, auditors, and regulatory authorities

· Support fundraising, financing strategies, and capital structuring

· Present financial performance and strategic outlook to the Board

Team Leadership

· Build and lead high-performing finance teams across geographies

· Drive a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement

· Mentor senior finance leaders and ensure succession planning

Qualifications & Experience

· Chartered Accountant / CPA / MBA Finance or equivalent

· 6-15 years of progressive finance leadership experience

· Strong experience in the pharmaceutical industry (API / formulations)

· Proven exposure to GCC and Middle Eastern markets, preferably based in Saudi Arabia

· Experience handling USFDA / SFDA regulated environments

· Demonstrated success in managing large-scale finance operations and transformation initiatives

Key Skills & Competencies

· Strategic thinking and business acumen

· Strong knowledge of IFRS and global compliance standards

· Expertise in pharma cost structures and supply chain finance

· Leadership and stakeholder management at Board level

· Risk management and governance expertise

· High level of integrity and decision-making capability

Work Location: In person