Head of Corporate Development

CarterPierce, INC.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

CarterPierce, INC. is seeking a Head of Corporate Development to establish the M&A function for a new, sponsor-backed industrial platform. You will source, evaluate, negotiate, and close acquisitions while shaping portfolio strategy and long-term growth with the CEO.

Ideal candidates bring 15-20+ years in investment banking, PE, or corporate development, with industrial experience, and the ability to build a function from day one in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 15-20+ years total experience in investment banking and/or private equity and/or corporate development/M&A.
• Industry experience in industrial/manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Ability to operate independently and build a function without an established playbook.
• Comfort in a fast-paced, sponsor-backed environment.
• Strong executive presence and ability to partner with CEO-level leadership.
• Excellent deal execution, financial modeling, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the corporate development function from the ground up, establishing sourcing processes, deal evaluation frameworks, and integration playbooks.
• Drive acquisitive growth strategy in partnership with the CEO and sponsor, identifying and prioritizing target markets and platforms.
• Lead full deal lifecycle execution— sourcing, diligence, valuation, negotiation, and close— for bolt-on and platform acquisitions.
• Partner cross-functionally with finance, operations, and integration teams to ensure post-close execution.
• Serve as a key thought partner to the CEO on portfolio strategy and long-term growth planning.
• Build out the corporate development team as deal volume scales.

Skills

Executive presence

Financial modeling

Negotiation

Independent operator

Job description

CarterPierce is leading a Head of Corporate Development search for a newly formed industrials platform in the highly engineered product space, backed by a leading private equity sponsor. This is a greenfield, build-from-the-ground-up opportunity for a corporate development leader to establish the M&A function at a newly formed platform from day one. The Head of Corporate Development will report directly to the platform's CEO and will be the architect of its inorganic growth strategy — sourcing, structuring, and executing acquisitions that expand the company's footprint across end markets.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the corporate development function from the ground up, including establishing sourcing processes, deal evaluation frameworks, and integration playbooks
• Drive acquisitive growth strategy in partnership with the CEO and sponsor, identifying and prioritizing target markets and platforms
• Lead full deal lifecycle execution — sourcing, diligence, valuation, negotiation, and close — for both bolt-on and platform acquisitions
• Partner cross-functionally with finance, operations, and integration teams to ensure successful post-close execution
• Serve as a key thought partner to the CEO on portfolio strategy and long-term growth planning
• Build out the corporate development team as deal volume scales

Qualifications

• Prior experience in investment banking and/or private equity and/or corporate development/M&A; 15-20+yrs total experience
• Prior experience in industrial/manufacturing sectors strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently and build a function without an established playbook or team in place
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, newly formed, sponsor-backed environment
• Strong executive presence and the ability to partner directly with CEO-level leadership
• Excellent deal execution, financial modeling, and negotiation skills

Preference for candidates located in Chicago or Charlotte but flexible for aligned experience.