AVP, Corporate Development

Royal Caribbean Group; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Caribbean Group seeks an AVP of Corporate Development to shape and execute M&A strategies. The role involves leading a team and interfacing with executives, focusing on deal structuring and negotiations.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive deal experience, particularly in Corporate Development, and hold a Bachelor’s and MBA. Industry experience in cruise or travel is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10–15 years of deal experience in Corporate Development, Investment Banking, Transaction Advisory, or Private Equity.
• Cruise or travel industry experience is a strong plus.
• Extensive experience with legal contracts and legal processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team responsible for mergers and acquisitions.
• Develop and maintain relations with key industry participants.
• Conduct due diligence and report findings to C-Suite.

Skills

Financial modeling

P&L forecasting

Business plan analysis

Excellent writing skills

Communication skills

Peer management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA

CFA

Job description

The AVP of Corporate Development leads the team that will be responsible for helping to shape, and execute the agenda for mergers and acquisitions and other major Group investments. The AVP will lead a team of Corporate Development professionals and work directly with senior executives to generate, evaluate and drive the company’s M&A agenda, which includes transaction structuring, negotiation execution, closing and post‑close activities. The successful candidate needs to have the experience, maturity and confidence to interface with company executives, external deal intermediaries, and business owners. This position also requires a humble, self‑aware personal style that results in cross‑functional teaming to drive consensus around solutions.

Responsibilities

• M&A and Divestitures
• Build a plan to identify and foster potential acquisition and investment opportunities
• Develop and maintain relations with key industry participants and potential targets
• Lead the team to conduct and maintain significant ownership of analysis and vetting of potential targets for strategic fit and financial impact on RCL and present to C‑Suite
• Define business drivers and inputs, refine, and oversee financial and valuation analysis done by senior analysts and outside advisors
• Coordinate due diligence efforts with target executive team, outside advisors, and internal subject matter experts
• Lead the reporting on due diligence findings and provide summaries to internal C‑Suite
• Lead internal operational teams and functional leaders to identify key issues and conduct additional / follow‑up due diligence work streams
• Develop CEO and / or Board of Directors investment memoranda and presentations
• Support and manage significant deal structuring and negotiations
• Active interaction with C‑Suite
• Integrations / Carve‑outs
• Lead the Integration Management Office or Separation Management Office
• Lead internal teams on integration / separation planning and implementation
• Responsible for Day 1 Readiness, Day 100 Planning and Integration / Separation Roadmap, Change Management and Synergies extraction
• Lead Executive Reporting and Program Communications
• Fleet Management
• Work with Corporate Strategy and Brands Leadership to routinely review the fleet and identify opportunities for value creation through assets disposal
• Maintain an active network of brokers, buyers, and investors
• Negotiate and execute all vessel sale transactions
• Support the delivery of all vessels transacted
• Hire and retain top talent
• Motivate and engage direct reports, including providing day‑to‑day direction, mentorship and coaching.
• Actively provide stretch opportunities and exposure to cross‑functional projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s and MBA required, CFA preferred
• Minimum of 10–15 years of deal experience in Corporate Development, Investment Banking, Transaction Advisory, or Private Equity
• Cruise or travel industry experience a strong plus
• Strong financial modeling, P&L forecasting, and business plan analysis experience
• Extensive experience with legal contracts and legal process
• Excellent writing and presentation creation skills
• Excellent organizational, communication and peer management skills
• Self‑starter with intellectual curiosity, a strong desire to learn, and passion for creating an excellent work product
• Demonstrated team player with ability to manage and elevate team members