Corporate Development Associate

VDA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

VDA is seeking a Corporate Development Associate to support the company’s M&A and strategy team, managing the acquisition pipeline that drives VDA's buy-and-build growth strategy. This role will work closely with the SVP of Strategy and Corporate Development and senior leadership to support the full deal lifecycle.

Responsibilities include origination, valuation, due diligence, transaction execution, post-close integration, and reporting on deal performance, with ownership of key workstreams for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance or related field plus 1–3 years in corporate development or related analytics.
• Working understanding of the M&A process and financial analysis.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Support all phases of the deal process, including target identification, outreach, valuation, due diligence, transaction execution, and post-close integration.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify and assess growth opportunities aligned with VDA's strategic objectives.
• Proactively source, map, and qualify acquisition targets to build and maintain a prioritized deal pipeline.
• Build and maintain financial models, valuations, and scenario analyses to evaluate potential acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic investments.
• Prepare investment memos, presentations, and other materials for senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Maintain and manage the M&A pipeline, deal-tracking infrastructure, and related reporting.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (finance, legal, operations) and external advisors to coordinate diligence and execute transactions.
• Track and analyze the performance of completed transactions and partnerships against approved investment assumptions, and report findings to inform future decision-making.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Financial modeling

Valuation analysis

Deal origination

Sourcing & outreach

Cross-functional collaboration

Discretion & confidentiality

Attention to detail

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, business administration, or a related field

Tools

PitchBook

Crunchbase

S&P Capital IQ

LinkedIn Sales Navigator

Job description

About The Role

VDA is seeking a Corporate Development Associate to support the company's M&A and strategy team. This role will help manage the acquisition pipeline that drives VDA's buy - and - build growth strategy. Working closely with the SVP of Strategy and Corporate Development and senior leadership, this person will support the full deal lifecycle, including origination, valuation, due diligence, transaction execution, and post-close integration. The role is ideal for a self-directed, relationship-oriented professional who wants meaningful ownership of key deal workstreams.

About The Role

VDA is seeking a Corporate Development Associate to support the company's M&A and strategy team. This role will help manage the acquisition pipeline that drives VDA's buy - and - build growth strategy. Working closely with the SVP of Strategy and Corporate Development and senior leadership, this person will support the full deal lifecycle, including origination, valuation, due diligence, transaction execution, and post-close integration. The role is ideal for a self-directed, relationship-oriented professional who wants meaningful ownership of key deal workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Support all phases of the deal process, including target identification, outreach, valuation, due diligence, transaction execution, and post-close integration.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify and assess growth opportunities aligned with VDA's strategic objectives.
• Proactively source, map, and qualify acquisition targets to build and maintain a prioritized deal pipeline.
• Build and maintain financial models, valuations, and scenario analyses to evaluate potential acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic investments.
• Prepare investment memos, presentations, and other materials for senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Maintain and manage the M&A pipeline, deal-tracking infrastructure, and related reporting.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (finance, legal, operations) and external advisors to coordinate diligence and execute transactions.
• Track and analyze the performance of completed transactions and partnerships against approved investment assumptions, and report findings to inform future decision-making.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, business administration, or a related field, plus one to three years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, transaction advisory, management consulting, or a similar analytical role. Candidates must demonstrate a working understanding of the M&A process and experience performing financial analysis, valuation, or transaction-related work. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting M&A transactions from sourcing through integration.
• Experience supporting buy-and-build, roll-up, or platform acquisition strategies, ideally in a private equity-backed environment.
• Experience using AI tools to improve research, analysis, workflow efficiency, or business communication.
• Familiarity with deal-sourcing and research tools (e.g., PitchBook, Crunchbase, S&P Capital IQ, LinkedIn Sales Navigator) and CRM-based pipeline management.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling and valuation; strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.

Skills

• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills
• Deal origination and sourcing mindset, with a proactive, self-directed approach
• Relationship building and outreach to owners, founders, and intermediaries
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential information
• Ability to identify and implement efficient workflows for market research, pipeline management, analysis, and reporting.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Process orientation and the ability to build, follow, and improve repeatable workflows.
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines

EEO/AA Employer/Veteran/Disabled Statement

VDA provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

VDA is the global leader in vertical transportation consulting and inspection services. We've helped clients with their vertical transportation needs since 1980. Our expertise and services impact the design, reliability, lifespan and safety of vertical transportation equipment.