Associate, Corporate Development

KeHE Distributors, LLC; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 109,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

FSA/HSA

Life insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Paid sick time

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Employee stock ownership (ESOP)

Holiday pay

Job summary

KeHE Distributors, LLC in Naperville, IL is seeking a Corporate Development Associate to drive M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, and other corporate initiatives alongside senior leadership. You will lead financial analyses, build valuation models, screen targets, manage due diligence, and prepare Board-ready presentations to illustrate deal rationale and strategic fit.

The role requires 3–5 years in investment banking or M&A, a finance degree, strong modeling skills, and experience with

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher in finance or related field.
• 3–5 years of investment banking/M&A experience required.
• Experience with AI-driven data tools to optimize data extraction and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial analysis and support all phases of M&A including target identification, valuation, due diligence, deal structuring, negotiation support, and closing.
• Build and maintain detailed financial models (DCF, synergy analyses, comps, precedent transactions, ESOP valuation).
• Source and screen potential targets; manage the corporate development pipeline.
• Coordinate cross-functional due diligence with finance, operations, legal, tax, HR, and IT; present findings clearly.

Skills

Financial modeling

Valuation

Excel

PowerPoint

Analytical ability

Communication skills

Target screening

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Economics/Business

MBA or CFA preferred

Tools

Capital IQ

PitchBook

Job description

Why Work for KeHE?

• Full-time
• Pay Range: $108,680.00/Yr. - $159,297.00/Yr.
• Shift Days: , Shift Time:
• Benefits on Day 1
  • Health/Rx
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off
  • Paid sick time
  • Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
  • Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
  • Holiday pay for company designated holidays

Overview

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward.

When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

Primary Responsibilities

The Corporate Development Associate will play a key role in evaluating and executing Merger & Acquisition (M&A) transactions, strategic partnerships, and other corporate development initiatives. This role will work directly with senior leadership to drive inorganic growth and long-term value creation.

As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Essential Functions

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead financial analysis and support all phases of M&A transactions including target identification, valuation, due diligence, deal structuring, negotiation support, and closing
• Build and maintain detailed financial models including discounted cash flow (DCF) analyses, pro forma synergy analyses, comparable company analyses, precedent transaction analyses, and ESOP-specific valuation considerations
• Source and screen potential acquisition targets; maintain and manage the corporate development pipeline
• Coordinate cross-functional due diligence workstreams across finance, operations, legal, tax, HR, and IT; synthesize findings into clear recommendations
• Conduct industry research, competitive landscape assessments, and market mapping exercises to identify trends, white-space opportunities, and potential targets
• Partner with integration teams on Day 1 readiness planning, synergy identification, and post-close execution tracking
• Prepare Board-ready presentations, investment committee memoranda, and management updates summarizing deal rationale, financial impact, and strategic fit
• Support other strategic projects as needed, including divestitures, joint ventures, minority investments, partnership evaluations and capital allocation analyses
• Other duties and projects as assigned

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Expert-level financial modeling and valuation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex analyses into clear, executive-level narratives
• Exposure to the consumer goods, food & beverage, distribution, or retail sectors
• Familiarity with industry databases and tools (e.g., Capital IQ, PitchBook) a plus

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in investment banking (M&A, leveraged finance, or coverage groups with significant M&A exposure) required
• Experience using AI-driven tools to optimize data extraction and analysis, and enhance decision-making processes
• MBA or progress toward CFA designation preferred
• Experience in middle-market or large-cap M&A advisory preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.