Role Overview for Head of Corporate Development with a Public Technology Firm – Seattle, WA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly traded technology firm at the forefront of innovation, located in the vibrant tech hub of Seattle, WA. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to join their executive team as the Head of Corporate Development. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of a global industry leader by identifying, executing, and integrating strategic acquisitions, investments, and partnerships that will accelerate growth and expand the company’s market position.
In this critical role, you will be the architect of the company’s inorganic growth strategy. Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy Officer, you will be responsible for the entire M&A lifecycle, from developing strategic theses to leading post-merger integration efforts. You will command a high-performing team and work in close collaboration with the CEO, CFO, and other C-suite executives, as well as the Board of Directors, to drive transactions that are transformative in nature.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned dealmaker with a deep understanding of the technology landscape, exceptional financial acumen, and a proven track record of executing complex transactions within a fast-paced, public company environment. You are not just executing deals; you are a strategic thinker who can see around corners, anticipate market shifts, and position the company for long-term, sustainable success.
This position demands a unique blend of strategic insight, financial expertise, negotiation prowess, and leadership gravitas. You will be the central figure in evaluating and pursuing opportunities that align with our client’s long-term vision, ensuring that each transaction creates substantial shareholder value. If you are a strategic leader passionate about building and shaping the future of technology, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Corporate Development with a Public Technology Firm – Seattle, WA
As the Head of Corporate Development, you will orchestrate a wide range of strategic initiatives. Your primary duties will be comprehensive and will require a hands-on, yet highly strategic, approach:
Strategic M&A Blueprint Development
Collaborate with the executive leadership team to define and continuously refine the company’s inorganic growth strategy. Develop and champion an M&A blueprint that aligns with corporate objectives, product roadmaps, and long-term market opportunities.
Proactive Deal Sourcing and Pipeline Management
Build and manage a robust and actionable pipeline of potential acquisition targets, strategic investments, and partnership opportunities. Cultivate a broad network of relationships with investment bankers, venture capitalists, private equity firms, and industry executives to ensure a consistent flow of high-quality, proprietary deal flow.
Transaction Execution Leadership
Lead every facet of the M&A process with precision and expertise. This includes initial target evaluation, strategic rationale development, financial analysis, and sophisticated valuation modeling (DCF, comparable company analysis, precedent transactions).
Comprehensive Due Diligence Oversight
Quarterback the entire due diligence process. You will be responsible for assembling and leading large, cross-functional teams comprising experts from Legal, Finance, Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and HR. Your leadership will ensure a thorough and insightful comprehensive cross-functional due diligence process that identifies all potential risks and opportunities associated with a transaction.
Expert Negotiation and Structuring
Act as the lead negotiator on all key deal terms, including price, structure, and definitive legal agreements such as Letters of Intent (LOIs), term sheets, and purchase agreements. You will be expected to creatively structure deals to optimize financial and strategic outcomes while mitigating risks.
Post-Merger Integration (PMI) Strategy
Partner closely with a dedicated integration management office (IMO) to formulate detailed and effective integration plans well before a deal is closed. You will provide strategic oversight during the critical initial phases of post-merger integration to ensure the realization of synergies, the retention of key talent, and the achievement of the deal’s original strategic objectives.
Market and Competitive Intelligence
Serve as the company’s expert on the competitive landscape and industry trends. Provide regular, insightful analysis to the leadership team on market dynamics, emerging technologies, and potential disruptive threats to inform strategic planning and M&A targeting.
Executive and Board Communication
Prepare and deliver compelling, data-driven presentations and investment memoranda for the executive team and the Board of Directors. Clearly articulate the strategic rationale, financial impact, risks, and integration considerations for each proposed transaction to secure necessary approvals.
Team Leadership and Mentorship
Recruit, develop, and lead a world-class corporate development team. Foster a culture of high performance, intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and accountability. Mentor team members to develop their skills in financial analysis, deal execution, and strategic thinking.
Requirements for the Head of Corporate Development with a Public Technology Firm – Seattle, WA
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career and a specific set of skills and experiences to succeed in this demanding role.
Required Qualifications:
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking (M&A focus), private equity, or venture capital. A significant portion of this experience must be focused on the software, internet, or broader technology sectors.
Public Company & Tech Sector Expertise
Demonstrable experience leading M&A transactions within a publicly traded technology company is essential. You must understand the nuances of public market scrutiny, shareholder communication, and regulatory requirements.
Proven Deal Sheet
A verifiable track record of successfully leading the full lifecycle of multiple M&A transactions (both large and small), from initial sourcing and negotiation through to closing and integration.
Leadership
At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role, managing and mentoring a team of corporate development or investment professionals.
Financial Acumen
Mastery of complex financial modeling, valuation methodologies, deal structuring, and the accounting and legal intricacies of M&A.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education
An MBA from a top-tier, globally recognized business school is highly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a quantitative field is required.
Executive Presence
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to command a room, build consensus, and influence decision-making at the highest levels of an organization, including with the Board of Directors.
Strategic Agility
A highly strategic and analytical thinker who can dissect complex problems, identify key drivers, and make sound judgments in high-pressure situations.
Network
A deep and active network within the technology and investment communities (e.g., bankers, VCs, PE firms, and corporate executives).
Location
The ability to operate effectively from the corporate headquarters in Seattle, WA, with a willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required for deal execution.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in its people and provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees. This includes:
Compensation
A highly competitive compensation package including a generous base salary, an annual performance-based bonus, and a significant equity component (RSUs) that aligns your success with the company’s growth.
Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. A generous wellness stipend to support physical and mental health, including gym memberships and mindfulness apps.
Retirement & Financial
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a substantial company match. Access to financial planning services and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
Work-Life Balance
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, comprehensive paid parental leave, and company-recognized holidays.
Perks & Office Life
State-of-the-art office facilities in Seattle, catered daily lunches, a fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages, commuter benefits, and regular team-building events and offsites.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including industry conferences, executive education courses, and professional certifications.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates who are not currently based in the Seattle area.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. We encourage you to learn more about our expertise by visiting the JRG Partners’ expert Corporate Development recruiting team page. Our dedicated team will review all applications and contact qualified candidates directly to discuss the next steps. We look forward to hearing from you.
