Full-Cycle AI M&A Leader

Profound; New York (NY); On-site; USD 225,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Profound is hiring an on-site Corporate Development Lead in NYC or SF to spot high-impact M&A opportunities and execute them across the business. You will work with leadership to define acquisition themes, weigh build vs buy, and own the deal lifecycle from sourcing through close and integration planning.

Ideal candidates have 8+ years in corporate development or related finance roles, with a track record of leading transactions and a strong network in AI/software.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in corporate development, technology investment banking, or private equity.
• Led multiple M&A or strategic transactions from sourcing to integration.
• Strong strategic thinker with ability to translate gaps into deal theses.
• Executive-level communicator with a broad network in AI/software.

Responsibilities

• Identify where M&A could accelerate Profound's business, from engineering to go-to-market, by working closely with leadership and functional teams, and turn them into clear acquisition themes and strategy.
• Evaluate whether each gap is best solved by building or buying, and make the case for when an acquisition is the right answer.
• Proactively source opportunities through founders, investors, bankers, and the broader AI ecosystem, running thesis-led outreach rather than waiting for inbound.
• Lead deals from first conversation through diligence, valuation, structuring, negotiation, signing, and close.
• Run the full range of deals, from fast-moving acquihires and tuck-ins to larger strategic acquisitions, matching process and rigor to the size of the bet.
• Structure and negotiate terms including price, equity, retention, and deal protections, working with outside counsel and advisors.
• Work with Operations to plan integration from signing through Day 1 and beyond, so acquired teams and technology are productive quickly.

Skills

Corporate development

M&A leadership

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Job description

Profound is hiring an on-site Corporate Development Lead in NYC or SF to spot high-impact M&A opportunities and execute them across the business. You will work with leadership to define acquisition themes, weigh build vs buy, and own the deal lifecycle from sourcing through close and integration planning.

Ideal candidates have 8+ years in corporate development or related finance roles, with a track record of leading transactions and a strong network in AI/software.