Head of Business Development Mining

We are Imbono. A leading operator and provider of infrastructure and essential goods and services across emerging markets. There is no other emerging markets player like us. We combine global capital and operational expertise in a single, integrated model. We are the architects of possibility – sharp thinkers, problem solvers, and resourceful innovators who make things happen when no one else can. And every project is built to last. Our ambition is to transform the lives of more than 100 million people by 2040 by expanding access to essential services such as water, energy, food, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Our Mission is delivering integrated, high-impact solutions that expand access to essential services combining operational execution, local presence, strategic partnerships, and sustainable capital.

About the Department

The Strategy and Growth department is responsible for driving the organisation's strategic direction and supporting long-term growth initiatives across the business. It plays a key role in developing and executing corporate strategy, identifying growth opportunities, and supporting M&A and partnership activities through financial and strategic analysis. The department works closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to translate strategy into actionable plans, coordinate business execution processes such as the annual Business Execution Plan, and deliver insights and materials to support executive decision-making, while ensuring alignment across business units and monitoring progress against strategic objectives. It also performs business development activities in new markets and geographies.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Business Development to lead growth initiatives across our mining portfolio. This role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing new business opportunities — including exploration partnerships, joint ventures, mergers & acquisitions, offtake agreements, and strategic alliances — that expand the company's resource base, production capacity, and market position across commodities. The ideal candidate combines deep knowledge of the mining industry with strong deal-making, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, and is comfortable operating across technical, financial, and regulatory domains.

Location: Dubai with 40% travel across Africa.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Growth

• Develop and execute the company's business development strategy for mining assets across relevant commodities, aligned with corporate growth objectives.
• Identify and evaluate acquisition targets, exploration properties, and greenfield/brownfield opportunities globally or within target regions.
• Conduct market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and commodity trend assessments to inform strategic decisions.

Deal Sourcing & Execution

• Lead origination, negotiation, and structuring of joint ventures, M&A transactions, streaming/royalty deals, and offtake agreements.
• Manage due diligence processes in coordination with technical, legal, financial, and environmental teams.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of investment and partnership opportunities.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Cultivate relationships with mining companies, junior explorers, government agencies, regulatory bodies, investors, and financial institutions.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, investor forums, and mining sector events.
• Act as a key liaison with existing and prospective joint venture partners.

Financial & Commercial Analysis

• Oversee financial modeling, valuation, and feasibility assessments for prospective projects and transactions.
• Work closely with finance teams to structure deals that optimize capital allocation and shareholder value.
• Assess geopolitical, regulatory, and ESG risks associated with target opportunities.

Leadership & Reporting

• Build, mentor, and lead a business development team as the function scales.
• Provide regular reporting and strategic recommendations to the executive committee and board.
• Ensure compliance with local mining regulations, licensing requirements, and international trade standards for minerals and metals.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in business development, corporate development, or investment roles within the mining or natural resources sector.
• Proven track record of sourcing, negotiating, and closing M&A, JV, or partnership deals in the mining industry.
• Strong understanding of mining economics, resource/reserve reporting standards (JORC, NI 43-101, or SAMREC), and commodity market dynamics.
• Established network across mining companies, financiers, streaming/royalty companies, and regulatory bodies.

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Mining Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related field; MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.

Skills

• Excellent financial modeling, valuation, and negotiation skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including remote and emerging-market sites.
• Fluency in English required; additional languages relevant to target regions (e.g., French, Portuguese, Arabic, Mandarin) are a plus.

Competencies

• Strategic thinking with a results-driven, entrepreneurial mindset
• Strong commercial acumen and deal negotiation ability
• High integrity and sound judgment in high-stakes environments
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-cultural communication skills
• Resilience and adaptability in politically and operationally complex regions
• Ability to balance technical, financial, and regulatory considerations

Our Values

• Client Oriented
• Excellence
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Perseverance

We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We want every candidate to perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us at [Confidential Information] and we will work with you to meet your needs.