Commercial & New Business Development (NBD) Lead

CNPC R&D (DIFC) Company Limited is CNPC’s new R&D and Technical Support centre based in Dubai with a mission to support the company’s asset interests in the Middle East (e.g., UAE, Iraq, Oman) and conduct strategic R&D projects in close collaboration with CNPC’s upstream research and engineering institutes in Beijing and other internal and external partners.Role PurposeThe successful candidate will drive CNPC R&D's strategic value creation across the Middle East by spearheading commercial strategies, new business development, and marketing initiatives. This role is instrumental in positioning CNPC R&D as a world-class leader in upstream oil and gas R&D, ensuring the organization captures maximum value from existing assets while identifying and securing high-impact growth opportunities across the region.Key AccountabilitiesCommercial Strategy & Business DevelopmentImplement commercial strategies to support CNPC R&D's regional growth ambitions, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.Identify, evaluate, and capture new entry opportunities and strategic partnerships across the upstream value chain.Lead deal-making activities, including negotiation, structuring, and execution of complex commercial agreements with partners, National Oil Companies (NOCs), and third parties.Stakeholder & Partnership ManagementCultivate and foster strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders—including NOCs, international partners, and government entities—to secure CNPC R&D's competitive position.Manage the interface with project leaders to define the scope of required commercial analysis, ensuring all stakeholder needs (internal and external) are met.Oversee complex partner relationships and consultancy agreements, ensuring alignment on value creation and risk sharing.Project Integration & DeliveryLead multidisciplinary commercial projects by integrating technical, financial, and non-technical inputs to deliver clear, actionable recommendations.Manage governance and functional review processes for all commercial arrangements, ensuring compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.Translate complex opportunities into clear, compelling value propositions, effectively communicating them to senior leadership and external decision-makers.Market & Risk IntelligenceMonitor regional and global upstream market trends and competitive dynamics, to proactively adjust commercial positioning.Assess and mitigate both commercial and non-technical risks, ensuring robust due diligence and risk-adjusted decision-making. Qualifications & ExperienceRequired:Master’s degree in business and engineering. An MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is desirable.Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in commercial, business development, or deal-making roles within the upstream oil and gas industry.Proven track record of developing, implementing, and managing complex commercial agreements.Deep understanding of the upstream value chain, from exploration to production, with specific regional experience in the Middle East.Strong financial acumen and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate opportunities, conduct risk assessments, and build robust commercial models.Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to senior executives and external partners.Preferred:Demonstrated experience working directly with NOCs and managing partner relationships in the GCC region.Experience integrating large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects involving significant technical and non-technical risk. Core Competencies & Personal AttributesStrategic Vision: Ability to see the big picture while staying grounded in critical details; capable of balancing short-term performance with long-term value creation.Influential Leadership: Proven ability to influence and motivate cross-functional teams and individuals from diverse backgrounds, driving alignment toward shared goals.Stakeholder Savvy: Adept at navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, building credibility, and managing expectations at all levels—both internally and externally.Inquisitive Mindset: Naturally curious, with a questioning and challenging perspective that tests assumptions, validates hypotheses, and pushes for continuous improvement.Resilience & Agility: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and market conditions.Additional InformationThis position requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic oversight with operational execution.The incumbent will be expected to represent CNPC R&D externally, building the brand and fostering trust with regional partners.Occasional travel within the Middle East may be required.