Strategic M&A Research Lead

Korn Ferry; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential – Publicly Traded Organization seeks a Senior Director of Research to identify new industries, assess market adjacencies, and evaluate acquisition opportunities. The role partners with Corporate Development and Ventures, translating market intelligence into actionable insights for growth and diversification.

The ideal candidate will combine quantitative rigor with strategic storytelling, engaging experts, and delivering executive-ready analyses.

Qualifications

• Progressive experience in investment banking, equity research, transaction advisory services, corporate development, or a comparable analytical role.
• Demonstrated ability researching industries, sizing markets, analyzing competitive dynamics, and developing investment or strategic recommendations.
• Strong quantitative capabilities including financial modeling, valuation, NPV analysis, forecasting, and sensitivity analysis.
• Experience creating executive-ready presentations and translating research into decision-ready narratives.
• Comfort with primary research, including outreach to industry experts and triangulation of sources.
• Exposure to M&A due diligence or transaction support is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead industry research, market intelligence, and opportunity assessment.
• Build TAM/SAM/SOM and market-sizing analyses; assess demand, pricing, and unit economics.
• Conduct primary/secondary research via interviews, public information, and datasets.
• Develop financial models, scenarios, and valuations; support due diligence.
• Produce concise executive and Board-ready presentations; track market conditions and strategic metrics.
• Collaborate across Corporate Development, Ventures, Finance, and Operations to validate assumptions.

Skills

Financial modeling

Market research

Executive communication

Strategic thinking

Project management

Expert interviews

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Data analysis tools

Job description

Confidential – Publicly Traded Organization seeks a Senior Director of Research to identify new industries, assess market adjacencies, and evaluate acquisition opportunities. The role partners with Corporate Development and Ventures, translating market intelligence into actionable insights for growth and diversification.

The ideal candidate will combine quantitative rigor with strategic storytelling, engaging experts, and delivering executive-ready analyses.