Role Overview for VP, Corporate Development, Strategy with a Public Manufacturer – Phoenix, AZ
JRG Partners is proud to partner exclusively with a leading, publicly-traded manufacturing company based in Phoenix, AZ, in their search for a dynamic and visionary Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy. This is a pivotal executive leadership position, reporting directly to the Chief Strategy Officer, designed for a seasoned professional who will architect the company’s long-term growth trajectory. The successful candidate will be the central force behind identifying, evaluating, and executing all mergers, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and other inorganic growth initiatives that align with the company’s strategic imperatives.
In this role, you will not only lead the M&A function but also play a critical part in the annual strategic planning process, ensuring that corporate strategy is cohesive, forward-looking, and effectively communicated across the organization. You will serve as a key advisor to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors, providing data-driven insights, rigorous financial analysis, and strategic recommendations on market trends, competitive landscapes, and expansion opportunities. This position requires a unique blend of financial acumen, strategic thinking, leadership presence, and the ability to navigate the complexities of a public company environment. You will be responsible for building and mentoring a high-performance team dedicated to corporate development and strategy, fostering a culture of analytical rigor and proactive opportunity sourcing. The ideal candidate is a master of the entire deal lifecycle, from initial thesis development and target identification to due diligence, negotiation, and the critical phase of post-merger integration. Your work will directly impact the company’s market position, operational scale, and shareholder value, making this a highly visible and impactful role within a thriving organization.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Corporate Development, Strategy with a Public Manufacturer – Phoenix, AZ
M&A and Inorganic Growth Leadership
Spearhead the end-to-end M&A process, including developing the inorganic growth strategy, building a robust pipeline of acquisition targets, and managing all transaction phases. This includes initial screening, valuation, comprehensive due diligence, deal structuring, negotiation of terms, and securing final approvals.
Strategic Planning & Analysis
Lead and collaborate on the annual corporate strategic planning cycle. Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging industry trends, potential threats, and new growth adjacencies. Translate these insights into actionable strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
Financial Modeling and Valuation
Develop and oversee the creation of complex financial models to support M&A activities and strategic initiatives. This includes discounted cash flow (DCF), comparable company analysis, precedent transaction analysis, accretion/dilution models, and synergy valuation. Ensure all financial assumptions are rigorously tested and defended.
Due Diligence Management
Quarterback the entire due diligence process for potential acquisitions. This involves coordinating cross-functional teams from finance, legal, operations, HR, and technology to conduct a thorough and efficient investigation of target companies, identifying both risks and opportunities.
Deal Negotiation and Execution
Act as a lead negotiator on behalf of the company for acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships. Work closely with legal counsel to draft and negotiate term sheets, letters of intent (LOI), and definitive purchase agreements.
Post-Merger Integration (PMI)
Collaborate with a dedicated integration management office (IMO) and business unit leaders to develop and execute detailed integration plans. A key objective is to ensure the realization of deal synergies and a smooth transition for acquired teams, with a focus on successful post-merger integration to maximize the value of each transaction.
Executive & Board Communication
Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and comprehensive reports for the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors. Clearly articulate the strategic rationale, financial impact, and risk profile of proposed transactions and strategic initiatives.
Team Leadership and Development
Build, manage, and mentor a team of corporate development and strategy professionals. Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture, providing guidance and professional development opportunities to team members.
External Relationship Management
Cultivate and maintain a strong network of external relationships with investment bankers, private equity firms, venture capitalists, industry experts, and potential acquisition targets to ensure a continuous flow of high-quality opportunities.
Requirements for the VP, Corporate Development, Strategy with a Public Manufacturer – Phoenix, AZ
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field is required. An MBA from a top-tier business school is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or strategy consulting. A significant portion of this experience must be focused on leading M&A transactions.
Industry Expertise
Direct experience within the manufacturing, industrial, or a related sector is highly desirable. Familiarity with the industry’s unique dynamics, value drivers, and competitive landscape is a significant advantage.
Transaction Record
A proven and demonstrable track record of successfully sourcing, leading, and closing multiple M&A transactions, from small tuck-ins to larger, more transformative deals.
Public Company Acumen
Experience working within or closely with a publicly-traded company is essential. Understanding of SEC regulations, shareholder communications, and the importance of earnings impact is critical.
Analytical and Financial Skills
Expert-level proficiency in financial analysis, valuation methodologies, and sophisticated financial modeling. Must be able to dissect complex financial statements and business models to derive key insights.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think critically and strategically, connecting individual transactions to the broader corporate vision. Must be able to anticipate future market trends and position the company for long-term success.
Leadership and Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team. Must possess executive presence and the ability to influence and build consensus among senior executives, peers, and board members.
Communication and Negotiation Skills
Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and persuasive manner. Must be a skilled and seasoned negotiator with a history of achieving favorable deal terms.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package, including:
Competitive Compensation
A lucrative base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package (e.g., Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares) designed to align your success with the long-term growth of the company.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid company holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, industry conferences, and continuing education to support your professional growth.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the vibrant Phoenix area.
Additional Perks
Includes life insurance, disability coverage, and other executive-level benefits.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a strategic leader with a proven track record in corporate development and a passion for driving growth in the manufacturing sector, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit the page for JRG Partners’ Private Equity and Corporate Development practice. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss this exciting role in more detail. JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers.
