Director Corporate Development

Townsend Search Group; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A private equity-backed industrial manufacturing firm seeks a Director of Corporate Development / M&A to oversee M&A processes and integration. Responsible for creating a robust deal pipeline and serving as the primary liaison among internal and external stakeholders. Candidates need strong interpersonal skills and significant experience in M&A activities, ideally within sponsor-backed environments.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of M&A experience in corporate development, investment banking, or private equity.
• Experience with sponsor-backed organizations preferred.
• Strong strategic execution and pipeline development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily M&A activities from LOI to transaction closing.
• Develop strategies for a consistent deal pipeline and executive communication.
• Advise on initial integration planning post-closing.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Relationship Management

Job description

Our client is a private equity-backed company in the industrial manufacturing sector that is experiencing rapid growth through mergers & acquisitions (M&A) and organic site development globally.

Reporting directly to the VP of Corporate Development, we are seeking a Director of Corporate Development / M&A to lead and coordinate daily M&A activities from signed LOI to transaction closing and integration. Key responsibilities include:

1. Partner with the VP, company leadership, and other executives to act as the deal "quarterback," supporting internal deal teams and representing the company in interactions with target management and external advisors.
2. Develop and execute a strategy to build a strong and consistent deal pipeline aligned with the company’s strategic business lines.
3. Lead the M&A team (Manager, Associate, Analyst) through drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and executing deal documentation, working closely with legal, tax, and third-party advisors.
4. Establish effective communication and execution processes with all internal and external stakeholders, including finance, HR, operations, and IT.
5. Advise on initial integration planning and coordinate with internal teams to ensure a smooth transition from deal closing to integration.
6. Serve as a trusted M&A advisor to business leaders, supporting sourcing, screening, assessment, pipeline management, financial modeling, due diligence, closing, and integration preparation.

Ideal candidates will possess high interpersonal and relationship skills (EQ) and have 8-10+ years of M&A experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, transaction advisory, or related fields, preferably with sponsor-backed organizations.

Geographic ties to Michigan and the ability to work onsite at least three days per week are required.

Senior Level

• Director

Employment Type

• Full-time

Job Functions

• Business Development, Manufacturing, and Finance

Industries

• Venture Capital, Private Equity, Manufacturing, Investment Banking