Role Overview for VP, Corporate Development, Strategy with a Global Manufacturer – Phoenix, AZ
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, multi-billion dollar global manufacturer in their search for a visionary and results-oriented Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy. Based at their corporate headquarters in Phoenix, AZ, this executive will serve as a critical member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This is a transformative opportunity to shape the future of a market-leading organization by architecting and executing its global growth strategy. You will be the central force behind all mergers, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and long-range strategic planning initiatives.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with a profound understanding of corporate finance, M&A, and strategic frameworks, preferably within the industrial or manufacturing sectors. You will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing high-impact transactions that align with the company’s long-term vision, enhance its competitive position, and drive substantial shareholder value. This role requires a unique blend of analytical rigor, financial acumen, strategic foresight, and exceptional leadership to navigate complex deal structures and influence key stakeholders at the highest level, including the Board of Directors. You will lead a dedicated team and collaborate across the entire organization to ensure that strategic initiatives are not only identified but also seamlessly integrated and executed for maximum impact.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Corporate Development, Strategy with a Global Manufacturer – Phoenix, AZ
Strategic Planning & Leadership
Spearhead the annual and long-range strategic planning process in collaboration with the executive team. Translate broad corporate goals into actionable strategic initiatives and investment priorities. Continuously assess the corporate portfolio and make recommendations for optimization, growth, and potential divestitures.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Lifecycle Management
Lead the end-to-end M&A process, from strategy formulation and target identification to due diligence, valuation, negotiation, and closing. Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of potential acquisition and investment opportunities that align with strategic priorities.
Deal Sourcing and Evaluation
Proactively build and maintain relationships with investment banks, private equity firms, industry contacts, and other intermediaries to source proprietary deal flow. Conduct rigorous financial analysis, valuation, and strategic assessment of potential targets.
Due Diligence and Execution
Quarterback cross-functional due diligence teams (including Finance, Legal, Operations, HR, and Technology) to conduct comprehensive investigations of target companies. Identify and quantify key risks, synergies, and integration challenges. Structure and negotiate term sheets, letters of intent, and definitive purchase agreements.
Post-Merger Integration (PMI)
Collaborate closely with a dedicated integration management office to develop and oversee detailed integration plans. Ensure the successful realization of deal synergies and a smooth transition for acquired entities, a critical component for successful post-merger integration and long-term value creation.
Market and Competitive Intelligence
Lead efforts to monitor and analyze industry trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging technologies. Provide actionable insights and strategic recommendations to the executive team to capitalize on market opportunities and mitigate potential threats.
Strategic Partnerships & Alliances
Identify, evaluate, and structure strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and other alliances that can accelerate growth, expand market access, or provide access to new technologies and capabilities.
Financial Modeling and Valuation
Oversee the development of complex financial models, including discounted cash flow (DCF), comparable company analysis, and precedent transaction analysis, to support M&A and other strategic investment decisions.
Board and Executive Communication
Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and strategic recommendations to the CEO, executive leadership team, and the Board of Directors. Clearly articulate the strategic rationale and financial implications of proposed transactions and initiatives.
Team Leadership and Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing corporate development team. Foster a culture of analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and executional excellence.
Requirements for the VP, Corporate Development, Strategy with a Global Manufacturer – Phoenix, AZ
Educational Background
An MBA from a top-tier business school is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field is required. A CFA designation is a significant plus.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or top-tier strategy consulting. A significant portion of this experience must include direct leadership of M&A transactions.
Industry Expertise
Direct experience within the industrial, manufacturing, or a related capital-intensive industry is highly desirable. A deep understanding of the sector’s dynamics, value drivers, and competitive landscape is critical.
Transactional Track Record
Demonstrable track record of successfully leading all phases of the M&A process for multiple complex transactions, from sourcing through integration. Experience with both domestic and international deals is preferred.
Financial Acumen
Expert-level skills in financial modeling, valuation methodologies, and deal structuring. Deep understanding of corporate finance principles and accounting standards.
Strategic Mindset
Proven ability to think strategically, anticipate future trends, and translate insights into actionable growth strategies. Must be able to see the ‘big picture’ while also being highly attentive to detail.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to manage, mentor, and motivate a team. Proven ability to influence and build consensus among senior executives, board members, and cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Communication & Negotiation Skills
Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear, concise messages for an executive audience. World-class negotiation skills with a history of achieving favorable outcomes in high-stakes situations.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Outstanding quantitative and qualitative analytical skills. A structured, data-driven approach to problem-solving.
Location
Ability to work from the corporate headquarters in Phoenix, AZ, with a willingness to travel as required for deal-related activities.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including:
- Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
- Substantial annual performance-based bonus (Short-Term Incentive Plan).
- Significant long-term incentive plan (LTI) with equity grants (e.g., RSUs, Stock Options).
- Comprehensive executive health benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
- Executive-level Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays.
- Full relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Executive financial planning services.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and high-impact work environment with direct access to senior leadership.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and board-level exposure.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. If you are a strategic, results-driven corporate development leader with a passion for driving growth in the manufacturing sector, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. We look forward to reviewing your application. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence.

