Role Overview for Head of Corporate Strategy with a Public Software Company – Austin, TX
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and results-driven Head of Corporate Strategy for a market-leading, publicly-traded software company based in the vibrant tech hub of Austin, Texas. This is a career-defining opportunity to serve as the chief architect of the company’s long-term growth trajectory, reporting directly to the Chief Strategy Officer and working in close partnership with the CEO and the entire C-suite. Our client is a dominant force in the enterprise SaaS landscape, renowned for its innovation, customer-centricity, and strong financial performance. As they enter their next phase of expansion, they are seeking a strategic leader to navigate the complexities of the global market, identify untapped growth vectors, and drive the initiatives that will define their future.
In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for developing, articulating, and executing the company’s overarching corporate strategy. You will lead the charge on all corporate development activities, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic partnerships, and investments. This position is not merely about analysis; it is about influence and impact. You will be the central nervous system for strategic thinking within the organization, ensuring that all functional areas—from product and engineering to sales and marketing—are aligned with a unified vision. Your insights will shape critical decisions, your leadership will galvanize cross-functional teams, and your execution will create substantial, long-term shareholder value. If you are a world-class strategist with a deep understanding of the software industry and a proven track record of driving transformative growth, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Corporate Strategy with a Public Software Company – Austin, TX
The Head of Corporate Strategy will have a broad and impactful mandate. Your core responsibilities will encompass strategic planning, corporate development, market intelligence, and executive leadership, ensuring the company maintains its competitive edge and achieves its ambitious growth targets.
Strategic Planning & Framework Development
Lead the annual and long-range strategic planning process in collaboration with the executive team. Develop and implement robust analytical frameworks to evaluate market opportunities, assess competitive threats, and prioritize strategic initiatives. Your work will form the blueprint for the company’s multi-year operational and financial plans.
Corporate Development and M&A Leadership
Own the entire corporate development lifecycle. This includes building and managing a robust M&A pipeline, identifying and sourcing potential acquisition targets, and leading the evaluation, valuation, and negotiation of deals. You will orchestrate complex due diligence processes and work closely with legal and finance teams to structure and close transactions.
Post-Merger Integration (PMI)
Champion the critical post-acquisition phase by developing and overseeing integration plans. You will ensure that the strategic rationale behind each acquisition is realized, value synergies are captured, and newly acquired teams are successfully integrated into the company culture. Your expertise will be vital for a smooth transition and is a key factor in successful M&A integration.
Market and Competitive Intelligence
Build and lead a center of excellence for market intelligence. Stay at the forefront of industry trends, technological disruptions, customer behavior shifts, and the competitive landscape. You will be responsible for delivering actionable, data-driven insights that inform product strategy, go-to-market motions, and investment decisions.
Cross-Functional Partnership and Influence
Act as a key strategic partner to leaders across the organization. Collaborate with Product Management to align the product roadmap with long-term strategy. Work with Sales and Marketing to identify and penetrate new market segments. Partner with Engineering to assess the strategic value of new technologies.
Executive and Board Communication
Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and detailed analyses on strategic matters to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors. You will be instrumental in articulating the company’s strategy, M&A activities, and market position to key internal and external stakeholders, including investors.
Strategic Initiatives & Special Projects
Lead high-priority, cross-functional strategic projects as directed by the CEO and CSO. These projects may include exploring new business models, evaluating international expansion opportunities, or responding to significant market shifts.
Requirements for the Head of Corporate Strategy with a Public Software Company – Austin, TX
We are seeking an exceptional candidate with a rare blend of analytical rigor, strategic vision, financial acumen, and leadership presence. The ideal candidate will have a proven history of success in a high-growth, public software company environment.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in roles such as corporate strategy, corporate development, investment banking, or management consulting. A significant portion of this experience (7+ years) must be in a leadership capacity within the B2B software/SaaS industry.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related quantitative field is required. An MBA from a top-tier business school is strongly preferred.
M&A Expertise
A deep and demonstrable track record of successfully leading the full lifecycle of M&A transactions, from sourcing and negotiation to due diligence and integration. Experience within a publicly-traded company context is essential.
Analytical & Financial Prowess
Exceptional quantitative skills and mastery of financial modeling, valuation methodologies (DCF, comparable companies, etc.), and complex data analysis. You must be able to build a business case from the ground up and defend it with rigorous data.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think big-picture, connect disparate dots, and synthesize complex information into a clear and compelling strategic narrative. You are intellectually curious and constantly challenging the status quo.
Leadership & Influence
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams. You possess executive presence and the ability to build consensus and influence stakeholders at all levels of a global organization, from individual contributors to the Board of Directors.
Communication Skills
World-class written, verbal, and presentation skills. You can articulate complex strategic concepts to diverse audiences with clarity and conviction.
Execution Focus
A strong bias for action and a demonstrated ability to translate high-level strategy into concrete, measurable results. You are highly organized, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are comfortable managing multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in investing in their people and provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and long-term success of their employees.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive compensation package including a substantial base salary, an aggressive annual performance-based bonus, and a significant long-term equity grant (RSUs) that aligns your success with the company’s growth.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. The package includes access to top-tier mental health resources, a generous wellness stipend, and company-sponsored wellness programs.
Retirement & Financial Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you build your financial future. Access to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) is also available.
Flexible Work & Time Off
A progressive approach to work-life integration, including a flexible PTO policy, generous paid parental leave, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
A substantial annual budget for professional growth, including executive coaching, attendance at premier industry conferences, certifications, and other continuing education opportunities.
Premier Location & Perks
A modern, collaborative office space located in the heart of Austin’s dynamic tech scene. Enjoy perks such as catered lunches, a fully stocked kitchen, team-building events, and more. Relocation assistance will be provided for exceptional candidates.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative strategic leader ready to make a significant impact on a leading public software company, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and strategic accomplishments.
JRG Partners is a leader in placing top executive talent in the technology sector. To learn more about our expertise and view other opportunities, please visit our Technology Executive Search practice page.
Our client is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.
