Director, Strategy and M&A

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD); Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) seeks a Director of Strategy and M&A to partner with senior leadership in shaping enterprise strategy and accelerating growth. In this newly created role, you will lead strategic planning and M&A activities, guiding the future of a rapidly growing $800M aerospace and defense business.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and over 10 years of experience in M&A or corporate strategy, and possess exceptional strategic thinking and financial acumen. EBAD offers a competitive compensation package.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in M&A, corporate strategy, investment banking, FP&A, or strategic consulting.
• Proven success leading end-to-end M&A transactions.
• Experience driving strategy within complex engineering or aerospace environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and M&A activities from growth opportunity identification to integration.
• Shape enterprise-wide strategy and determine company's future growth.
• Work directly with senior leadership to drive long-term value.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

M&A Expertise

Financial Acumen

Collaborative Influence

Executive Presence & Communication

Results Orientation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field; MBA preferred

Job description

Lead Strategy. Drive Growth. Shape the Future

At Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD), we’ve been innovating for nearly 200 years, delivering mission‑critical technologies that protect lives and advance exploration. As we prepare to double in size over the next 3–5 years, we’re investing in our people and culture to support this transformation.

EBAD is seeking a Director of Strategy and M&A to partner with senior leadership in shaping enterprise strategy, strengthening the product portfolio, and accelerating organic and inorganic growth. This newly created, high‑impact role will lead strategic planning and end‑to‑end M&A activity, from identifying growth opportunities through diligence, deal execution, and integration. The ideal leader will bring strong strategic thinking, financial acumen, and the ability to influence across the organization while helping guide the future of a rapidly growing $800M aerospace and defense business.

Core Competencies for Success

• Strategic Thinking: Able to synthesize complex inputs, market trends, customer needs, and internal capabilities into clear strategies that align with long‑term goals.
• M&A Expertise: Proven success leading all phases of acquisitions including sourcing, due diligence, valuation, negotiations, deal structuring, and post‑close integration.
• Financial Acumen: Strong ability to build and interpret financial models, conduct valuations, and assess investment opportunities with discipline and clarity.
• Collaborative Influence: Builds trust across executive leadership and cross‑functional teams, driving alignment without direct authority.
• Executive Presence & Communication: Confidently represents strategy and deal rationale to senior leaders, the board, and external partners.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset (Kaizen): Brings structure, discipline, and a drive to improve strategic processes and decision‑making frameworks.
• Results Orientation: Operates with urgency, sets clear objectives, and consistently delivers measurable outcomes.

The Candidate We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field; MBA preferred
• 10+ years of experience in M&A, corporate strategy, investment banking, FP&A, or strategic consulting
• Proven success leading end‑to‑end M&A transactions, including due diligence, valuation, negotiations, and integration
• Experience driving strategy within complex engineering, manufacturing, or aerospace & defense environments preferred
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, and portfolio strategy capabilities with the ability to translate insights into actionable growth opportunities
• Executive‑level communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across cross‑functional teams and senior stakeholders
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience in Lean, Kaizen, EBOS, or related operational excellence practices

A Defining Leadership Opportunity

• Legacy: Join a privately held, 188‑year‑old company that takes a long‑term approach, free from the short‑term pressures of quarterly‑driven reporting.
• Impact: Shape enterprise‑wide strategy and lead M&A execution that will directly determine the company’s future growth and success.
• Partnership: Work directly with the General Manager, Business Unit President, and senior leadership team in a highly visible and influential role.
• Culture of Excellence: Thrive in an entrepreneurial environment that values people, integrity, and mission‑driven excellence, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Ready to Make a Difference

If you’re a strategic leader looking to make a meaningful impact, this is your moment to work with a legacy‑rich aerospace and defense organization poised for its next chapter of growth and this role is at the center of it. As Director of Strategy and M&A, you’ll shape the future of the business, lead transformative deals, and work directly with senior leadership to drive long‑term value. If you’re ready to elevate your career, we invite you to explore this opportunity and make your mark with us.

We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with skills & experience, with flexibility to reward top talent and extraordinary qualifications.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.