Strategic Growth & M&A Director

Gateway Recruiting; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Gateway Recruiting is seeking a seasoned corporate development leader to drive M&A and strategic partnerships for Santa Clara-based growth. You will engage with senior executives, evaluate targets, and shape the investment case from initial discussions through closing.

You\'ll lead due diligence across finance, legal, tax, and operations, structure deals, and present recommendations to the Board, while maintaining a disciplined, execution-focused approach.

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years in Corporate Development, M&A, investment banking, PE, or related transactions.
• Proven track record of completing M&A deals from diligence to closing.
• Strong financial modeling, valuation, negotiation, and deal execution skills.
• Sector experience in technology/semiconductor/photonics/industrial; cross-border M&A preferred.
• Executive presence with ability to work directly with senior leadership and external counterparties.

Responsibilities

• Lead Corporate Development and M&A activity to identify targets.
• Build financial models, valuations, deal structures, and investment cases.
• Source, negotiate, structure, and execute deals with senior executives.
• Lead due diligence across finance, legal, tax, operations, and technology.
• Prepare presentations and recommendations for the Board.
• Manage transaction timelines and drive deals toward execution; support integration.

Skills

Financial modeling

Deal execution

Executive presence

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

Job description

Gateway Recruiting is seeking a seasoned corporate development leader to drive M&A and strategic partnerships for Santa Clara-based growth. You will engage with senior executives, evaluate targets, and shape the investment case from initial discussions through closing.

You\'ll lead due diligence across finance, legal, tax, and operations, structure deals, and present recommendations to the Board, while maintaining a disciplined, execution-focused approach.