Role Overview for VP, Corporate Development & Venture with a Public Tech Firm – San Diego, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly-traded technology company in San Diego, CA, in their search for a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Corporate Development & Venture. This is a career-defining opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of a global industry leader. The successful candidate will be the driving force behind the company’s inorganic growth strategy, leading all aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic investments, and venture capital initiatives.
This executive will operate at the intersection of strategy, finance, and technology, responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing transformative transactions that accelerate our client’s product roadmap, expand their market presence, and enhance their competitive advantage. Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy Officer, the VP of Corporate Development & Venture will have significant visibility with the C-suite and the Board of Directors, serving as a key advisor on market trends, competitive landscapes, and strategic opportunities. You will be tasked with building and nurturing a world-class corporate development function, fostering a culture of analytical rigor, strategic foresight, and disciplined execution. This role demands a unique blend of financial acumen, strategic thinking, leadership gravitas, and a deep understanding of the technology ecosystem. If you are a seasoned dealmaker with a passion for innovation and a track record of creating substantial shareholder value, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Corporate Development & Venture with a Public Tech Firm – San Diego, CA
The VP of Corporate Development & Venture will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities are segmented across several core functions:
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Strategy and Execution
Strategy Formulation
Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and refine the company’s M&A thesis, ensuring alignment with overall corporate strategy and long-term vision. Identify key areas for inorganic growth, including new technologies, product capabilities, and market adjacencies.
Deal Sourcing and Pipeline Management
Proactively build and manage a robust pipeline of potential acquisition targets. Cultivate a strong network of relationships with investment bankers, venture capitalists, industry executives, and other key influencers to ensure a steady flow of high-quality opportunities.
Valuation and Financial Analysis
Lead the development of complex financial models, valuation analyses (including DCF, comparable company, and precedent transaction analyses), and synergy assessments to support investment decisions. Present financial scenarios and recommendations to senior leadership with clarity and conviction.
Due Diligence Leadership
Orchestrate and lead comprehensive, cross-functional due diligence processes, coordinating with internal teams (Legal, Finance, Product, Engineering, HR, Sales) and external advisors to thoroughly assess risks and opportunities associated with potential transactions.
Negotiation and Execution
Lead the negotiation of key transaction terms, including letters of intent (LOIs) and definitive agreements. Manage the deal process from initial contact through to closing, ensuring seamless execution and communication among all stakeholders.
Integration Planning
Partner closely with the corporate strategy and integration management office to develop detailed pre-close integration plans, ensuring a smooth transition and the successful realization of deal synergies post-close.
Venture Capital and Strategic Investments
Venture Strategy
Architect and manage the company’s corporate venture capital (CVC) program, identifying and investing in early-stage startups that are strategically aligned with the company’s future growth areas and technology roadmap.
Portfolio Management
Oversee the entire lifecycle of venture investments, from initial investment to exit. Monitor the performance of portfolio companies, provide strategic guidance, and facilitate collaboration between the startups and the company’s business units to foster innovation and mutual value creation.
Ecosystem Development
Act as the company’s ambassador to the startup and venture capital community. Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier VC firms, accelerators, and entrepreneurs to position the company as a preferred strategic partner.
Market Intelligence and Corporate Strategy
Competitive Intelligence
Continuously monitor and analyze the competitive landscape, market dynamics, and emerging technology trends. Provide actionable insights and strategic recommendations to the executive team to inform decision-making.
Strategic Planning
Play an active role in the company’s annual strategic planning process, contributing insights from market intelligence and corporate development activities to help shape the long-term direction of the business.
Executive and Board Communication
Prepare and deliver compelling presentations and reports for the executive team and the Board of Directors on M&A strategy, deal pipeline, venture investments, and market trends.
Requirements for the VP, Corporate Development & Venture with a Public Tech Firm – San Diego, CA
We are seeking a highly accomplished and strategic leader with a proven track record of success in high-stakes corporate development roles.
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking, venture capital, or private equity, with a significant focus on the technology sector (e.g., SaaS, AI/ML, cybersecurity, enterprise software).
Public Company Acumen
Substantial experience leading corporate development for a publicly-traded company is strongly preferred. Must have a deep understanding of the regulatory and reporting environment associated with public company M&A.
Deal Sheet
A demonstrated track record of successfully leading and closing a variety of complex transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic investments, from start to finish.
Educational Background
An MBA from a top-tier institution or an equivalent advanced degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field is required.
Financial Expertise
Mastery of financial modeling, valuation methodologies, and deal structuring. Expert-level proficiency in analyzing financial statements and understanding complex capitalization tables.
Leadership Skills
Proven ability to build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team. Exceptional executive presence and the ability to influence and build consensus among senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills. The ability to distill complex financial and strategic concepts into clear, concise, and persuasive communications for a variety of audiences, including the Board of Directors.
Strategic Mindset
A true strategic thinker who can connect market trends and corporate strategy to specific M&A and investment opportunities. Ability to balance long-term strategic goals with near-term execution demands.
Network
A robust and active network within the technology, investment banking, and venture capital communities.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, annual performance-based bonus, and long-term incentive plan.
Equity Package
A significant equity grant, including Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), to ensure you share in the company’s long-term success and value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents with low-to-no employee premiums. Access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and a fitness stipend.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A substantial budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and executive coaching.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
Additional Perks
Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), commuter benefits, catered lunches, and various other on-site amenities.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative leader with the experience and drive to lead the corporate development and venture function for an innovative public technology company, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a member of our executive search team.
For more information on our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Technology Executive Practice page.
