Role Overview for Head of M&A with a Global Conglomerate – Houston, TX
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and results-driven Head of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) for our client, a prestigious and diversified global conglomerate headquartered in Houston, TX. This is a paramount executive leadership position that will serve as the architect of the company’s inorganic growth strategy. Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Head of M&A will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic investments, from initial concept and sourcing through to negotiation, execution, and post-merger integration.
This role is not merely transactional; it is deeply strategic. You will be a key member of the senior leadership team, providing critical insights and recommendations that will shape the future direction and competitive positioning of the entire enterprise. The ideal candidate is a seasoned dealmaker with an impeccable track record of leading complex, large-scale transactions and a strategic mindset capable of navigating the complexities of a global, multi-industry organization.
You will lead a dedicated team of M&A professionals and collaborate extensively with business unit leaders, corporate function heads, and the executive leadership team to identify and execute on opportunities that create substantial, long-term shareholder value. This position requires a leader with exceptional financial acumen, superior negotiation skills, and the executive presence to command respect and build consensus at the highest levels of the organization, including the Board of Directors. Based in the dynamic energy and business hub of Houston, this role offers a unique opportunity to drive transformative change and leave a lasting legacy on a global scale.
Key Responsibilities of Head of M&A with a Global Conglomerate – Houston, TX
The Head of M&A will have a broad and impactful mandate, overseeing all facets of the company’s corporate development activities. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to build and execute a robust deal pipeline that aligns with the conglomerate’s strategic objectives.
M&A Strategy Development
In close partnership with the executive team, you will formulate, refine, and champion the company’s overarching M&A strategy. This includes identifying key growth sectors, evaluating market landscapes, and establishing a disciplined framework for capital allocation and investment prioritization.
Deal Sourcing and Pipeline Management
Proactively build and manage a robust pipeline of proprietary and non-proprietary deal opportunities. Cultivate and maintain a strong network of relationships with investment banks, private equity firms, industry contacts, and other intermediaries to ensure a consistent flow of high-quality acquisition, investment, and partnership prospects.
Comprehensive Due Diligence Leadership
Command the entire due diligence process for all potential transactions. You will lead cross-functional teams comprising internal experts from finance, legal, operations, HR, and technology, as well as manage external advisors. Your leadership will ensure a thorough and meticulous evaluation of all commercial, financial, operational, and legal risks and opportunities.
Valuation and Financial Analysis
Oversee the creation of sophisticated and defensible financial models and valuation analyses. This includes Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), comparable company analysis, precedent transaction analysis, and accretion/dilution modeling. You will be responsible for rigorously assessing potential synergies and presenting a clear business case for each transaction.
Deal Structuring and Negotiation
Act as the lead negotiator for all key transaction terms. You will be responsible for structuring deals in a manner that maximizes value and mitigates risk. This includes skillfully negotiating Letters of Intent (LOIs), definitive purchase/sale agreements, and other critical legal documentation in collaboration with legal counsel.
Integration Strategy and Oversight
While not directly managing the day-to-day integration, you will be a key partner to the integration management office. You will provide strategic oversight to ensure that the detailed planning for post-merger integration begins early in the deal process and that the value drivers identified during diligence are successfully realized post-close.
Executive and Board Communication
Prepare and deliver compelling, data-driven presentations and investment memoranda for the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors. You must be able to articulate complex transaction details, strategic rationale, and financial implications with clarity and conviction to secure necessary approvals.
Team Leadership and Development
Build, mentor, and lead a world-class corporate development team. Foster a culture of high performance, intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and ethical conduct. You will be responsible for the professional growth and development of your team members, empowering them to become future leaders within the organization.
Requirements for the Head of M&A with a Global Conglomerate – Houston, TX
We are seeking a distinguished M&A professional with a demonstrated history of success in a high-stakes corporate or advisory environment. The qualifications for this role are rigorous, reflecting its strategic importance.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in M&A, with a significant portion spent in a leadership role. This experience may come from a corporate development team within a large corporation, a top-tier investment bank, private equity, or a transaction advisory services group. A proven ‘deal sheet’ demonstrating extensive, hands-on experience leading numerous multi-billion dollar transactions from inception to completion is required.
Educational Background
An undergraduate degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related quantitative field is required. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) from a top-tier institution is strongly preferred. A CFA or CPA designation is considered a valuable asset.
Technical Expertise
Master-level proficiency in all aspects of financial modeling, corporate valuation methodologies, and synergy analysis. Deep understanding of complex accounting principles, tax implications, and legal considerations inherent in M&A transactions.
Leadership and Influence
Exceptional executive presence and proven leadership capabilities. You must have a track record of successfully building and managing high-performing teams. Your communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills must be world-class, enabling you to influence and build credibility with a wide range of stakeholders, from junior analysts to board members.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and holistically, connecting M&A activities to the broader corporate vision. You must be able to assess not just the financial merits of a deal, but also its strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term potential.
Negotiation Prowess
A master negotiator with a demonstrable history of achieving favorable outcomes in complex, high-pressure negotiations. You must possess the poise, creativity, and tenacity to navigate challenging deal dynamics and drive toward a successful close.
Project Management Excellence
Superior organizational and project management skills are essential. You must be capable of managing multiple complex transactions concurrently, each with its own aggressive timeline and unique set of challenges, without sacrificing attention to detail.
Integrity and Judgment
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in all business dealings.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a compensation and benefits package commensurate with the seniority and impact of this role.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive compensation package including a substantial base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term equity incentive plan (e.g., RSUs, stock options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and executive health services.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Work-Life Balance
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and a culture that respects the importance of personal time.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the Houston area.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and relevant certifications to ensure you remain at the forefront of the M&A field.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive search firm for this pivotal leadership role. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary M&A leader to drive transformative growth and shape the future of a global industry leader. If you possess the experience, strategic acumen, and leadership qualities outlined above, we invite you to begin a confidential discussion with us. To learn more about our expertise in placing top-tier executives, please visit our Corporate Officers Practice Area page. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter outlining your deal experience and strategic accomplishments.
