Strategic M&A & Corporate Development Manager

AAM - American Axle & Manufacturing; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

American Axle & Manufacturing in Detroit, MI is seeking a Manager – Business Development to lead corporate development efforts, including M&A, strategic partnerships, and divestitures.

You will build financial models, conduct market analyses, coordinate due diligence with internal teams and external advisors, and develop post-merger integration plans to drive value creation for the enterprise.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in Corporate Development, M&A, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Transaction Advisory, or Corporate Finance.
• Advanced financial modeling and valuation skills, with strong proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a global, cross-cultural environment.
• Experience in automotive, industrial manufacturing, or related sectors preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops strategic business cases and investment theses to support corporate development initiatives, in partnership with business unit leaders.
• Conducts market research, competitive analysis, and target screening to identify and prioritize acquisition, divestiture, and partnership opportunities.
• Builds and presents financial models, valuation analyses (DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions), synergy assessments, and investment return analyses to support transaction decisions.
• Collaborates closely with external advisors — investment bankers, consultants, legal counsel, accounting firms, and tax advisors.
• Leads and coordinates commercial, operational, financial, tax, and HR due diligence workstreams across internal teams and external advisors.
• Manages due diligence data rooms and timelines, ensuring timely identification of risks, issues, and value drivers.
• Develops post-merger integration plans in partnership with business unit and functional leaders.
• Tracks integration milestones, monitor synergy capture initiatives, and report progress against value creation targets.

Skills

Financial modeling

Valuation

Excel

PowerPoint

Analytical skills

Project management

Automotive/Industrial experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering or related field

MBA, CPA, CFA or equivalent preferred

Tools

PowerPoint

Job description

American Axle & Manufacturing in Detroit, MI is seeking a Manager – Business Development to lead corporate development efforts, including M&A, strategic partnerships, and divestitures.

You will build financial models, conduct market analyses, coordinate due diligence with internal teams and external advisors, and develop post-merger integration plans to drive value creation for the enterprise.