Sr Director Mergers & Acquisitions

Overview

The organization is seeking a Senior Director, Mergers & Acquisitions to serve as the corporate lead for M&A and as a principal advisor to the CFO, CEO, and Executive Chairman on acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic investments. This role focuses on determining where the organization deploys capital, identifying transformational opportunities, leading transaction execution, and driving value realization following close.

Reporting directly to the CFO, the Senior Director will engage with executive leadership, the Executive Chairman and CEO, and the Board of Directors on matters critical to future growth and shareholder value creation.

This position is designed for an accomplished investment banker or corporate development leader to transition from advisory into enterprise strategy and investment decision-making within a $6+ billion global public company.

Responsibilities

Corporate Development and Strategic Growth

• Partner with Corporate Strategy leadership to shape and execute the inorganic growth agenda
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize acquisition, partnership, joint venture, and investment opportunities aligned with organizational strategy
• Develop M&A investment theses aligned with long-term growth objectives
• Monitor industry trends, competitive dynamics, market disruptions, and emerging opportunities
• Maintain executive-level relationships with investment bankers, advisors, and potential transaction counterparties
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership on transaction alternatives and capital deployment

Transaction Leadership

• Lead transactions from opportunity assessment through deal execution
• Source and evaluate acquisition opportunities
• Build and oversee advanced valuation, financial modeling, and scenario-planning analyses
• Lead negotiations alongside senior executives and external advisors
• Direct comprehensive due diligence across financial, operational, commercial, tax, and human resources, in conjunction with Legal
• Structure transactions to maximize strategic and financial outcomes (including synergy realization) and minimize transaction risks and integration challenges
• Prepare investment recommendations for executive leadership and the Board
• Lead deal execution through signing and close

Value Creation and Integration

• Ensure investments deliver expected value beyond transaction execution
• Develop synergy cases and investment return frameworks
• Partner with business leaders to establish integration priorities and accountability
• Support post-close integration planning and execution
• Monitor value realization and identify opportunities to accelerate returns

Executive Partnership

• Present complex financial and strategic analyses to senior executives
• Provide objective recommendations on significant investment opportunities
• Support enterprise capital allocation decisions
• Advise leadership on strategic alternatives, risks, and value creation opportunities

Finance Leadership

• Mentor high-potential finance talent
• Lead a team of Analyst or Manager, and stand up and direct “ad hoc” teams from multiple disciplines and/or Business Units
• Contribute to the evolution of the organization’s strategic finance capabilities
• Develop an enterprise-wide business perspective beyond M&A execution

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, strategic finance, or M&A advisory
• Significant transaction experience involving acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, strategic investments, or joint ventures
• Advanced financial modeling and valuation expertise
• Strong commercial judgment and analytical rigor
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and business leaders
• Exceptional written, presentation, and communication skills
• Experience managing multiple strategic priorities in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Vice President or equivalent experience within a leading investment banking, private equity, or corporate development organization
• Experience working with public company boards and executive leadership teams
• Experience in multinational organizations
• Understanding of regulatory, governance, and compliance considerations associated with strategic transactions

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay rate range: $226,960.00 - $340,440.00 (annual)
• Health Insurance Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care, and Health Reimbursement Accounts
• Well-being programs including companywide events and a wellness incentive program
• Paid Time Off
• Financial Wellness: industry leading 401(k) plan with generous company contributions, Financial Planning Services, Employee Stock purchase program, and Health Savings Accounts
• Life and Accident insurance
• Family-Friendly Employee events
• Employee Assistance Program services – mental health and other concierge type services
• Benefits may vary based on location, job role/level, job status, and/or the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreements

Location

• Statewide Multi Use, IL

Additional Information

• Time type: Full time
• Job requisition ID: Req-272022
• Anticipated close date: 12/15/2026

Equal Opportunity Employer

The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state, or local law.