Senior Analyst, Corporate Development

Central Garden & Pet; Walnut Creek (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401k match + discretionary

Paid vacation and holidays

Education assistance and training

Job summary

Central Garden & Pet is seeking a Senior Analyst, Corporate Development to join a small but dynamic team responsible for all M&A and investment activity. You will interact with the CEO, CFO, and Board, owning valuation, modeling, and strategy across inorganic initiatives.

The role involves leading complex analyses, working with diverse internal partners and external bankers or legal counsel, and actively driving deal processes from pipeline through integration.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, or a private equity firm.
• Strong analytical skills with financial, valuation and quantitative analyses.
• Clear oral and written communication for senior decision makers.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial valuation and own business plan modeling for M&A activity.
• Support evaluation and execution of M&A opportunities through transaction process.
• Evaluate complex alternatives and present findings to Central leadership.
• Identify market opportunities and develop a pipeline of potential acquisition candidates.
• Stay informed on industry developments and business performance.
• Collaborate with tax, treasury and external advisors on structures and financing options.
• Support multiple transactions per year through process management.

Skills

Corporate Development

Investment Banking

Private Equity

Financial Modeling

Valuation

Communication

Job description

Senior Analyst, Corporate Development

Central Garden & Pet is looking for a Senior Analyst, Corporate Development who will be part of a small active group leading all M&A and investment activity across the company. This individual will interact and work with senior management including the CEO, CFO, and members of the Board of Directors. This position will be actively involved in all inorganic workstreams including strategy, pipeline building, modeling, valuation, and process management. This position will work closely with a broad group of internal stakeholders (including senior members of Central’s operations, finance, marketing, and legal teams) and external parties (including bankers, accountants, and lawyers).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead financial valuation and own business plan modeling for M&A activity
• Support the evaluation and execution of M&A opportunities throughout the transaction process, including strategic assessment, due diligence, closing, and integration
• Evaluate the merits of complex alternatives and present findings to Central leadership.
• Identify market opportunities and work with internal teams to develop a pipeline of potential acquisition candidates
• Stay apprised of broader industry developments and business performance
• Work with internal tax and treasury teams and external advisors to understand various structure and financing options
• The Corporate Development team will create process, evaluate numerous opportunities, and aim to complete multiple transactions per year

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience working in corporate development, investment banking, or a private equity firm
• Excellent analytical skills, experience performing financial, valuation and broad quantitative analyses, and familiarity with accounting & key operational metrics
• Strong oral and written communication skills and experience preparing and presenting information to key decision makers
• Demonstrated track record as an outstanding critical thinker, problem-solver and team player
• Ability to work with a broad range of functions and stakeholders
• Proactive and comfortable driving workstreams independently
• Willingness to embrace unstructured environments and problems

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasional travel
• Hybrid- In the office 4 days per week. Frequent use of PC, phone and office equipment.

POSITION INFORMATION

• This position pays $90,000 - $125,000 per year depending on experience

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Free Life and Disability Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to thousands of free online courses
• Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more!
• Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications)
• Referral Program with cash bonus
• Access to on-demand pay
• Paid parental leave

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market‑leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry‑Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.