Head of Corporate Development

Paradies Lagardère - Retail; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the parking industry is looking for a Head of Corporate Development to drive strategic acquisitions and investment initiatives. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in corporate development or private equity, with a strong background in finance. This role offers competitive compensation and leadership opportunities, all while contributing to shaping the future of urban mobility solutions.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Leadership opportunities and professional development

Dynamic, fast-paced environment

Opportunity to influence brand strategy

Qualifications

• 10+ years in corporate development, investment banking, or private equity.
• Direct experience with PE firms managing real estate portfolios is a plus.
• Proven track record in successfully executing M&A transactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead M&A strategy and integration processes.
• Analyze market opportunities and assess acquisition targets.
• Support strategic planning and capital allocation decisions.

Skills

Financial modelling

Valuation

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or related field

MBA or advanced degree in finance

Job description

Company Description

APCOA is Europe's leading parking operator, managing over 12,000 locations across 12 countries. As we transform from traditional parking provider to urban mobility hub operator, we're seeking exceptional talent to drive our financial strategy and performance.

Job Description

The Head of Corporate Development will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing strategic acquisition opportunities and investment initiatives to accelerate the company's growth objectives. This role will lead all aspects of the M&A process while serving as a key member of the Investment Committee to shape the company's capital allocation strategy.

The ideal candidate will possess a proactive mindset and strong understanding of the competitive landscape in the parking and mobility industry, constantly assessing acquisition opportunities and strategic land or parking asset deals. Experience in infrastructure, real estate, car rental, or hospitality (e.g. hotels) is highly valued. Familiarity with private equity firms that manage real estate clients is also of interest.

Key Responsibilities

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Develop and implement the company's M&A strategy in alignment with overall business objectives
• Identify and evaluate potential acquisition targets in the parking industry and adjacent sectors, including technology companies that support parking and mobility services
• Continuously monitor the market and competition, proactively assessing acquisition opportunities across both companies and real assets (e.g., land and parking spaces)
• Lead comprehensive due diligence processes, including financial, operational, and strategic assessments
• Structure and negotiate deal terms, working closely with legal counsel and financial advisors
• Present acquisition recommendations to executive leadership and the board of directors
• Manage the integration planning process to ensure value capture and smooth transitions
• Build and maintain relationships with industry contacts, investment banks, and private equity firms
• Target sectors may include infrastructure, real estate, car rental, hospitality, and related verticals

Investment Committee

• Serve as a core member of the company's Investment Committee
• Evaluate capital expenditure proposals and investment opportunities
• Develop financial models and investment theses for major initiatives
• Contribute to capital allocation decisions across the organization
• Monitor performance of completed investments against projections
• Make recommendations on portfolio optimization and divestitures as appropriate

Strategic Planning

• Support the development of the company's long-term strategic plan
• Analyse market opportunities and potential new business models
• Evaluate strategic partnerships and joint venture opportunities
• Lead special projects related to corporate development initiatives

Qualifications

Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, or private equity, preferably with exposure to the parking industry or related infrastructure/real estate sectors
• Direct experience working with or within PE firms that manage real estate-focused portfolios is a plus
• Proven track record of successfully executing M&A transactions from identification through integration
• Strong financial modelling, valuation, and analytical skills with experience in deal structuring
• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders
• Superior communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree in finance or related field
• Experience in real estate development, infrastructure investment, or technology integration
• Knowledge of parking industry dynamics, technology trends, and key players
• Prior experience serving on an Investment Committee
• Familiarity with smart city initiatives and mobility solutions

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
• Results-oriented with ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Proactive and self-motivated, with the drive to identify opportunities and deliver results
• Strong leadership skills with ability to influence across organizational levels
• Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills
• High ethical standards and integrity

Additional Information

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to shape and influence the brand strategy of a leading company in the parking industry.

• Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a focus on innovation and growth.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Access to leadership opportunities and professional development.

APCOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of background.