Corporate Development Manager

Rocket Lab; United States; Remote; USD 157,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the grocery delivery sector is seeking a Corporate Development Manager to lead M&A and strategic investment initiatives. This role involves working cross-functionally to evaluate and execute growth opportunities. Ideal candidates are strategic thinkers with experience in financial analysis, engagement with C-suite executives, and a passion for food-related technology.

Benefits

Highly market-competitive compensation

Eligible for new hire equity grant

Annual refresh grants

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, venture capital, or corporate development.
• Experience in the technology sector is preferred.
• Prior exposure to consumer internet, e-commerce, logistics, advertising, or retail technology industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead M&A and strategic investment activity across the full deal lifecycle.
• Act as primary contact for key product and business units.
• Drive rigorous evaluation of opportunities including financial modeling and industry analysis.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication

Analytical

Collaboration

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

We're transforming the grocery industry

At Instacart, we invite the world to share love through food because we believe everyone should have access to the food they love and more time to enjoy it together. Where others see a simple need for grocery delivery, we see exciting complexity and endless opportunity to serve the varied needs of our community. We work to deliver an essential service that customers rely on to get their groceries and household goods, while also offering safe and flexible earnings opportunities to Instacart Personal Shoppers.

Instacart has become a lifeline for millions of people, and we’re building the team to help push our shopping cart forward. If you’re ready to do the best work of your life, come join our table.

Instacart is a Flex First team

There’s no one-size fits all approach to how we do our best work. Our employees have the flexibility to choose where they do their best work—whether it’s from home, an office, or your favorite coffee shop—while staying connected and building community through regular in-person events. Learn more about our flexible approach to where we work.

Overview

About the Team

Instacart’s Corporate Development team is responsible for driving the company’s inorganic growth strategy. We identify and execute M&A and strategic investment opportunities that expand our capabilities, enhance our customer and shopper experience, and strengthen our market position. The team works cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, Finance, Legal, Strategy, and Operations to explore build vs. buy decisions and pursue opportunities that align with Instacart’s long-term vision. We operate as a high-trust, high-rigor team with a culture of intellectual honesty, collaboration, and a bias for action. Our work sits at the intersection of strategic thinking and flawless execution — helping shape Instacart’s future through thoughtful external partnerships.

About the Job

As a Corporate Development Manager, you will:

• Lead M&A and strategic investment activity across the full deal lifecycle — from sourcing and diligence through to negotiation, execution, and integration.
  
  
• Act as the primary point of contact for key product and business units, helping shape M&A priorities and align deal strategy with product roadmaps and company objectives.
  
  
• Drive rigorous evaluation of opportunities, including financial modeling (DCF, comps), industry analysis, and scenario planning.
  
  
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership, and lead deal discussions with composure and confidence.
  
  
• Influence decision-making across functions and challenge assumptions with data and logic; be willing to say “no” to deals that don’t meet the bar.
  
  
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders including founders, VCs, bankers, and industry executives.
  
  
• Contribute to the continued development of best practices, tools, and processes for the broader Corporate Development function.
  
  

About You

• A strategic thinker with a deep curiosity about new technologies, business models, and industry trends.
  
  
• A strong communicator who is comfortable working across functions and engaging with C-suite executives and external partners.
  
  
• Highly analytical with exceptional financial modeling and valuation skills.
  
  
• Humble, collaborative, and driven — with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
  
  
• Passionate about Instacart’s mission and excited to shape its future through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.
  
  
• You bring a sense of humor, positive energy, and enjoy working on hard problems with great people.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree
  
  
• 3+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, venture capital, or corporate development
  
  

Preferred:

• Experience in the technology sector
  
  
• Prior exposure to consumer internet, e-commerce, logistics, advertising, or retail technology industries

Instacart provides highly market-competitive compensation and benefits in each location where our employees work. This role is remote and the base pay range for a successful candidate is dependent on their permanent work location. Please review our Flex First remote work policy here.

Offers may vary based on many factors, such as candidate experience and skills required for the role. Additionally, this role is eligible for a new hire equity grant as well as annual refresh grants. Please read more about our benefits offerings here.

For US based candidates, the base pay ranges for a successful candidate are listed below.

CA, NY, CT, NJ

$189,000—$210,000 USD

WA

$182,000—$202,000 USD

OR, DE, ME, MA, MD, NH, RI, VT, DC, PA, VA, CO, TX, IL, HI

$174,000—$193,000 USD

All other states

$157,000—$174,000 USD