Role Overview for Head of Corporate Development with a Software Unicorn – San Jose, CA
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and strategic Head of Corporate Development for one of Silicon Valley’s most exciting pre-IPO software unicorns. Based in their San Jose, CA headquarters, this is a career-defining opportunity to architect the inorganic growth strategy of a company that is already a leader in its category and poised for exponential expansion.
Our client is a well-funded, rapidly scaling organization with a culture of innovation, speed, and customer obsession. They have built a market-disrupting platform and are now seeking a seasoned executive to accelerate their roadmap, expand their market footprint, and solidify their competitive advantage through strategic acquisitions, investments, and partnerships.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and working in close partnership with the CEO and the entire executive leadership team, you will be the central figure in all corporate development activities. This role is not simply about executing deals; it is about shaping the long-term strategic direction of the company. You will be responsible for building and leading the corporate development function, from developing the M&A thesis to identifying targets, executing transactions, and ensuring successful integration.
The ideal candidate is a master strategist, a skilled negotiator, and a collaborative leader who can navigate complex transactions while maintaining a clear focus on long-term value creation. You will serve as a critical link between strategy, finance, product, and engineering, translating market insights into actionable growth initiatives that will define the company’s future for years to come.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Corporate Development with a Software Unicorn – San Jose, CA
M&A and Investment Strategy Development
Formulate, refine, and execute the company’s comprehensive inorganic growth strategy in alignment with overall corporate objectives. Identify and prioritize key technology gaps, market adjacencies, and strategic areas for investment and acquisition.
Deal Sourcing and Pipeline Management
Proactively build and manage a robust pipeline of potential acquisition targets, strategic investments, and partnership opportunities. Cultivate a strong network of relationships with investment bankers, venture capitalists, private equity firms, and industry executives to ensure a consistent flow of high-quality opportunities.
Comprehensive Due Diligence
Lead and coordinate all aspects of the due diligence process for potential transactions. This includes managing cross-functional teams from finance, legal, product, engineering, sales, and human resources to conduct thorough evaluations of a target’s financial health, technology stack, intellectual property, market position, and cultural fit.
Valuation and Financial Modeling
Develop sophisticated financial models, valuation analyses (DCF, comparable company, precedent transactions), and synergy assessments to support deal rationale and pricing. Structure transactions creatively to optimize for financial and strategic objectives.
Transaction Execution and Negotiation
Lead the end-to-end deal execution process. This includes structuring term sheets and letters of intent, negotiating definitive agreements in partnership with legal counsel, and managing all transaction-related activities to a successful close.
Post-Merger Integration (PMI) Leadership
Act as a key strategic partner in the integration process. Collaborate closely with a dedicated integration management office and functional leaders to develop detailed integration plans that ensure the realization of deal synergies and a smooth transition for acquired teams. A successful post-merger integration is critical for capturing the full value of any acquisition.
Market Intelligence and Competitive Analysis
Continuously monitor the competitive landscape, emerging technology trends, and market dynamics within the software industry. Provide regular, insightful analysis and strategic recommendations to the executive team and Board of Directors.
Executive and Board Communication
Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and memoranda for the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors, clearly articulating strategic rationales, transaction details, risk assessments, and performance updates.
Team Leadership and Development
Build, mentor, and lead a world-class corporate development team. Foster a culture of high performance, strategic thinking, and rigorous analytical discipline.
Requirements for the Head of Corporate Development with a Software Unicorn – San Jose, CA
Extensive Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or venture capital, with a significant focus on the enterprise software or SaaS industry.
Proven M&A Track Record
A demonstrated history of successfully leading the full lifecycle of multiple complex M&A transactions, from sourcing and negotiation to closing and integration. Experience with both large and small-scale acquisitions is highly desirable.
Strategic Acumen
The ability to think strategically and holistically, connecting market trends and competitive dynamics to the company’s long-term vision. You must be able to not just execute deals, but to identify and articulate *why* a particular deal is the right move for the business.
Exceptional Analytical and Financial Skills
Mastery of complex financial modeling, valuation methodologies, and deal structuring. You must be an expert in analyzing financial statements and building robust models that stand up to executive and board-level scrutiny.
Superior Negotiation and Influence Skills
World-class negotiation skills with the ability to manage complex, multi-party negotiations and influence outcomes. You must possess the executive presence and communication skills to effectively represent the company and build consensus among senior internal and external stakeholders.
Leadership and Team Building
Proven ability to build and manage high-performing teams. A player-coach mentality with a passion for mentoring and developing talent is essential.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
A natural ability to work collaboratively across functions and at all levels of the organization. You must be adept at building strong relationships with leaders in product, engineering, sales, marketing, and finance.
Educational Background
An MBA from a top-tier university is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related quantitative field is required.
Personal Attributes
High integrity, strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a bias for action. You must be comfortable with ambiguity and thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in investing in their people and offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and growth of their employees. This includes:
- Highly competitive base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
- Substantial pre-IPO equity package with significant upside potential.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy.
- Paid parental leave and family support programs.
- Monthly wellness stipend for gym memberships, fitness classes, or mental health resources.
- Fully stocked kitchen with healthy snacks and beverages, and catered lunches.
- Commuter benefits and transportation allowances.
- A dedicated budget for professional development, including conferences, courses, and certifications.
- Regular company-sponsored team-building events, offsites, and social gatherings.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm retained for this critical leadership hire. We are seeking a transformative leader who is ready to make a significant impact on the trajectory of a future public company. If you are a visionary corporate development executive with a passion for technology and a track record of driving inorganic growth, we invite you to start a confidential conversation with us.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and detailing your experience leading M&A transactions in the software industry. Applications can be submitted directly through the JRG Partners portal on our Technology Executives practice area page.
