Head of Corporate Development

Kraken; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Kraken is seeking an exceptional Head of Corporate Development to identify and execute opportunities that accelerate growth across markets and geographies. You will own the pipeline from thesis to execution, leading acquisitions, strategic investments, joint ventures, or partnerships.

You will work with senior leadership across Product, Engineering, Commercial, Finance and Legal, building valuation models, evaluating strategic fit, and presenting clear recommendations to the Board.

Qualifications

• Experience originating, negotiating and executing complex transactions.
• Experience in technology, software, energy or utilities, internationally.
• Comfort with ambiguity, speed and personal accountability.

Responsibilities

• Originate opportunities and manage a global pipeline.
• Evaluate strategic value, economics and execution risk.
• Lead acquisitions, investments and partnerships end-to-end.
• Coordinate internal teams and external advisers.

Skills

Commercial judgement

Strategic thinking

Financial analysis

Valuation skills

Deal execution

Executive engagement

Industry experience

Ambiguity tolerance

Clear communication

Job description

Help us use technology to make a big green dent in the universe!

Kraken powers some of the most innovative global developments in energy.

We create the technology that redefines utilities and unlocks a new energy system of the future. By optimising renewable generation, building a more intelligent grid, and empowering utilities to deliver an exceptional customer experience, our operating system is transforming the industry worldwide.

It’s an incredibly exciting time to work in energy. Join us on our mission to improve the lives of ONE BILLION humans within the decade and shape a cleaner, better future for everyone.

Where you'll fit in:

Kraken is growing rapidly across markets, products and geographies. We've already completed five acquisitions, and we're looking for more.

We're seeking an exceptional Head of Corporate Development to identify and execute opportunities that materially accelerate our growth and strategy.

This is not simply an M&A role.

We want someone constantly asking: What could Kraken buy, invest in, partner with or build that would make us stronger, faster or more valuable to our clients?

You'll own our corporate development pipeline, originate opportunities and lead transactions from initial thesis through to execution.

That could mean an acquisition, strategic investment, joint venture, partnership or an entirely different commercial structure.

We care about the strategic outcome, not the transaction structure.

You'll work directly with Kraken's senior leadership and across Product, Engineering, Commercial, Finance and Legal.

What you’ll own:

Originate opportunities

• Identify companies, technologies and capabilities that could accelerate Kraken's strategy.
• Build relationships with founders, investors and industry leaders.
• Develop investment theses and maintain a global pipeline of opportunities.
• Find interesting opportunities before they become competitive processes.

Evaluate strategic value

• Assess strategic fit, technology, market potential, economics and execution risk.
• Build financial models, valuations and investment cases.
• Present clear recommendations to leadership and the Board.
• Know when to pursue an opportunity — and when to walk away.

Execute transactions

• Lead acquisitions, investments and strategic partnerships end-to-end.
• Own valuation, structuring, due diligence and negotiations.
• Coordinate internal teams and external advisers.
• Navigate complexity and drive transactions to completion.

What you’ll bring to the party:

We're open-minded about your background. You might come from corporate development, private equity, investment banking, venture capital, strategy or an operating role.You're intellectually curious but practical. You like complexity but don't create it.

You have strong opinions, loosely held. You're comfortable challenging senior leaders and being challenged yourself.

You don't need a large team or elaborate process to get things done.

You can move from analysing a market to calling a founder, building a valuation and negotiating a deal.

What matters is that you bring:

• Exceptional commercial judgement and strategic thinking.
• Strong product and technology understanding.
• Outstanding financial, analytical and valuation skills.
• Experience originating, negotiating and executing complex transactions.
• Confidence engaging directly with founders, CEOs, investors and Boards.
• Intellectual curiosity and the ability to understand unfamiliar businesses quickly.
• Comfort with ambiguity, speed and personal accountability.
• Clear communication and the confidence to challenge conventional thinking.
• Experience in technology, software, energy or utilities — particularly internationally — would be valuable.

Ultimately, we don't measure success by the number of deals completed. We measure it by whether those deals materially change Kraken's trajectory.

That's what we're looking for.

Are you ready for a career with us? We want to ensure you have the right tools and environment to unleash your potential. If you have any accommodation requests, please contact us at [e-mail]. We’ll do our best to tailor the experience to your needs so you can feel comfortable, confident and be at your best!

Studies have shown that some groups of people, like women, are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we’re looking for! At Kraken, we're creating a team of genuine, honest, empathetic people. Our people are our strongest asset and the unique skills and perspectives people bring to the team are the driving force of our success. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. We consider all applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

*Our (i) Applicant and Candidate Privacy Notice and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Notice, (ii) Website Privacy Notice and (iii) Cookie Notice govern the collection and use of your personal data in connection with your application and use of our website. These policies explain how we handle your data and outline your rights under applicable laws, including, but not limited to, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Depending on your location, you may have the right to access, correct, or delete your information, object to processing, or withdraw consent. By applying, you acknowledge that you’ve read, understood and consent to these terms

Please note that, in line with our current recruitment policy, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position; applicants must have the right to work in the country that they're applying to, at the time of application.