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# VP, Corporate Development with a Software Unicorn – San Jose, CA


Role Overview for VP, Corporate Development with a Software Unicorn – San Jose, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a category-defining, high-growth software unicorn poised for its next evolutionary leap. Based in the heart of Silicon Valley in San Jose, CA, our client has revolutionized its industry with a cutting-edge SaaS platform and is backed by top-tier venture capital firms. With a valuation in the multi-billions and a clear path to IPO, they are seeking a visionary and execution-oriented Vice President of Corporate Development to architect and drive their inorganic growth strategy. This is a career-defining opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and fundamentally shape the future trajectory of a market leader.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the VP of Corporate Development will be the central figure in identifying, evaluating, and executing mergers, acquisitions, strategic investments, and pivotal partnerships. You will be responsible for building and leading a world-class corporate development function, acting as a key strategic advisor to the CEO and the Board of Directors. Your work will directly impact the company’s product roadmap, competitive positioning, and long-term value creation. The ideal candidate is a seasoned dealmaker with a deep understanding of the software landscape, possessing a rare blend of financial acumen, strategic foresight, and the ability to build consensus and drive complex transactions from inception to successful integration. You will be empowered to build the engine that accelerates our client’s mission, expanding their technological capabilities and market reach on a global scale.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Corporate Development with a Software Unicorn – San Jose, CA
The VP of Corporate Development will have a broad and impactful mandate. Your primary duties will revolve around the entire lifecycle of strategic transactions, from strategy formulation to post-deal integration.
M&A Strategy and Pipeline Development
Proactively identify and evaluate potential acquisition and investment opportunities that align with the company’s strategic goals. Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of targets by building deep relationships with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, investment bankers, and industry experts.
Deal Sourcing and Evaluation
Lead the initial screening of potential opportunities, conduct thorough strategic and financial analysis, and build compelling business cases for proposed transactions. You will be responsible for assessing market attractiveness, competitive dynamics, technological synergies, and cultural fit.
End-to-End Transaction Execution
Quarterback the entire deal process, from initial contact and negotiation of terms to definitive agreement. This includes leading comprehensive due diligence efforts by coordinating with cross-functional teams including Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Legal, and Finance.
Financial Modeling and Valuation
Develop sophisticated financial models to support valuation, deal structuring, and synergy analysis. Your analysis will be critical in presenting a clear financial narrative and justification for each transaction to the executive team and the Board.
Negotiation and Structuring
Lead the negotiation of key transaction terms and legal documentation, including letters of intent (LOIs) and definitive purchase agreements, in close partnership with the legal department.
Integration Planning and Oversight
Collaborate with a dedicated integration management office (IMO) to develop detailed post-merger integration plans. Ensure the strategic rationale of each acquisition is realized by overseeing a smooth and effective integration process that captures synergies and retains key talent.
Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that extend the company’s ecosystem and create new revenue streams. This includes technology alliances, joint ventures, and other collaborative arrangements.
Market Intelligence and Competitive Analysis
Serve as the company’s expert on the competitive landscape and industry trends. Provide regular, insightful analysis to the executive team on market shifts, emerging technologies, and potential strategic moves by competitors, helping to inform both organic and inorganic strategy. This includes developing a robust M&A playbook that adapts to the evolving market.
Executive and Board Communication
Prepare and present clear, concise, and compelling presentations and recommendations to the senior leadership team and the Board of Directors, articulating the strategic rationale and financial implications of proposed transactions.
Requirements for the VP, Corporate Development with a Software Unicorn – San Jose, CA
We are seeking a highly accomplished and strategic leader with a proven track record of success in high-stakes corporate development roles within the technology sector.
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or venture capital, with a significant portion of that time focused on the enterprise software/SaaS industry. At least 5-7 years of direct experience leading a corporate development function within a high-growth technology company is strongly preferred.
Education
An MBA from a top-tier business school is highly desirable. A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related quantitative field is required.
Proven Deal Sheet
A demonstrable track record of successfully leading and closing a variety of strategic transactions, including multi-hundred-million-dollar M&A deals, from sourcing to integration.
Financial Acumen
Expert-level proficiency in financial modeling, valuation methodologies (e.g., DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions), and deal structuring.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and creatively, connecting market trends and competitive dynamics to actionable M&A and investment theses. Must be able to see the ‘big picture’ and how individual transactions contribute to it.
Leadership and Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to manage, mentor, and build a high-performing team. Must possess executive presence and the ability to influence and build consensus among senior executives, board members, and external partners.
Communication Skills
World-class written and verbal communication skills. Ability to distill complex financial and strategic concepts into simple, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
Negotiation Skills
Masterful negotiator with the ability to navigate complex, multi-party negotiations and achieve favorable outcomes while maintaining strong relationships.
Project Management
Outstanding project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in investing in its people and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and growth of its employees.
Highly Competitive Compensation
A compelling package including a competitive base salary, an aggressive annual performance bonus, and a substantial equity grant that provides a significant stake in the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with minimal employee contribution.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Flexible Time Off
A progressive unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy, complemented by company-wide holidays, to encourage a healthy work-life balance.
Wellness and Lifestyle
A monthly wellness stipend that can be used for gym memberships, fitness classes, mental health apps, and more.
Office Perks
For those working from the San Jose headquarters, enjoy catered daily lunches, a fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages, and commuter benefits.
Professional Development
A significant annual budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and executive coaching.
Family Support
Comprehensive parental leave policies and family-planning support.
How to Apply
This is a retained search exclusively managed by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary corporate development leader ready to make a transformative impact on a leading software unicorn, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and M&A track record. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a representative from JRG Partners’ Technology Executive Practice for a confidential discussion. Our client is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at their company. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.