JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with a revolutionary, venture-backed FinTech unicorn that is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of financial services. Valued at over $5 billion and experiencing exponential growth, our client has established itself as a market leader through cutting-edge technology, a customer-centric approach, and a culture of relentless innovation. Headquartered in the burgeoning tech hub of Charlotte, North Carolina, they are building a world-class team to drive their next phase of global expansion. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to join their executive team as the Vice President of Corporate Development. This is a career-defining opportunity to be at the epicenter of strategic growth, shaping the future of a company that is changing the world of finance.
Role Overview for VP, Corporate Development with a FinTech Unicorn – Charlotte, NC
The Vice President of Corporate Development will serve as a key strategic partner to the CEO, CFO, and the Board of Directors. This executive will be responsible for defining and executing the company’s inorganic growth strategy, including mergers, acquisitions, strategic investments, and critical partnerships. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, you will build and lead a high-caliber team dedicated to identifying, evaluating, and executing transactions that accelerate the company’s product roadmap, expand its market presence, and enhance its competitive advantage. This is not just a deal-making role; it is a position of significant strategic influence, requiring a deep understanding of the global FinTech ecosystem, a sophisticated financial acumen, and the ability to build consensus and drive complex projects to successful completion across the organization. Your work will directly impact the company’s valuation, long-term trajectory, and its ability to maintain its position as an industry trailblazer.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Corporate Development with a FinTech Unicorn – Charlotte, NC
Strategy Formulation
Collaborate with the executive leadership team to develop and refine the company’s inorganic growth thesis, aligning M&A and investment strategy with overall corporate objectives and long-range plans.
Deal Sourcing and Pipeline Management
Proactively identify and cultivate a robust pipeline of potential acquisition targets, investment opportunities, and strategic partners by building and maintaining a strong network of relationships with investment banks, venture capital firms, private equity funds, and industry leaders.
End-to-End Transaction Execution
Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), from initial screening and strategic evaluation through valuation, due diligence, negotiation, and closing.
Financial Modeling and Valuation
Oversee the development of complex financial models, valuation analyses (DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions), and synergy assessments to provide a rigorous analytical foundation for all investment decisions.
Due Diligence Leadership
Quarterback comprehensive, cross-functional due diligence processes, coordinating the efforts of internal teams (Legal, Finance, Product, Engineering, HR) and external advisors to identify and mitigate risks.
Negotiation and Structuring
Lead the negotiation of key transaction terms and legal documentation, including letters of intent (LOIs), definitive purchase agreements, and partnership contracts, ensuring favorable outcomes for the company.
Post-Merger Integration (PMI)
Partner closely with a dedicated integration management office to ensure the seamless and successful integration of acquired companies, with a focus on capturing synergies, retaining key talent, and preserving cultural alignment.
Market Intelligence
Serve as the company’s expert on the competitive landscape, emerging industry trends, and disruptive technologies. Provide regular, insightful analysis to the leadership team and the board to inform strategic decision-making.
Executive and Board Communication
Prepare and present clear, concise, and compelling investment theses, business cases, and transaction updates to the executive team and Board of Directors for review and approval.
Team Leadership
Recruit, mentor, and develop a world-class corporate development team, fostering a culture of high performance, analytical rigor, and strategic thinking.
Requirements for the VP, Corporate Development with a FinTech Unicorn – Charlotte, NC
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field is required. An MBA from a top-tier institution is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or venture capital, with a significant portion of that time spent in a leadership capacity.
Industry Expertise
Deep experience within the FinTech, financial services, or high-growth enterprise SaaS sectors is essential. You must be fluent in the language and dynamics of the FinTech ecosystem.
Proven Deal Track Record
Demonstrable success in leading and closing multiple complex M&A and/or strategic investment transactions from sourcing to integration. Experience with deals in the $100M to $1B+ range is highly desirable.
Technical Skills
Expert-level proficiency in financial modeling, corporate valuation, and deal structuring. You must be able to build a complex financial model from scratch and defend its assumptions under scrutiny.
Strategic Acumen
The ability to think strategically and holistically, connecting market trends and competitive dynamics to actionable M&A and investment strategies.
Leadership and Influence
Exceptional executive presence and communication skills, with the proven ability to influence and build consensus among senior executives, board members, and external stakeholders.
Negotiation Prowess
A skilled and seasoned negotiator who can navigate complex, multi-party discussions to achieve optimal outcomes while preserving positive relationships.
Location
The candidate must be based in or willing to relocate to the Charlotte, NC metropolitan area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
- A highly competitive base salary and significant annual performance-based bonus.
- A substantial equity package (stock options/RSUs) with meaningful upside potential in a high-growth unicorn.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents with low employee premiums.
- Generous 401(k) plan with a strong company match.
- Flexible and unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy, empowering you to manage your work-life balance.
- Paid parental leave to support growing families.
- A monthly wellness stipend for gym memberships, fitness classes, or mental health resources.
- Annual budget for professional development, conferences, and continuing education.
- Relocation assistance package for candidates moving to the Charlotte area.
- A vibrant, collaborative, and inclusive company culture located in a state-of-the-art office in Uptown Charlotte.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this confidential opportunity. All applications will be treated with the utmost discretion. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
If you are a strategic, results-oriented leader with a passion for driving growth in the FinTech space, we invite you to submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. To learn more about our expertise in this area or to apply, please visit the JRG Partners’ Finance & Strategy practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this transformative opportunity with you.
