Vice President, Corporate Development

Worldwide Clinical Trials; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 214,000 - 424,000; Full time

Job summary

Worldwide Clinical Trials seeks a seasoned Vice President, Corporate Development to lead the company’s inorganic growth strategy worldwide. This executive will drive mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and growth initiatives aligned to value creation, reporting to the CFO.

The role requires balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution, partnering with executive leadership to identify, evaluate, and deliver high-impact opportunities that accelerate enterprise value.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or related field.
• Preferred experience in life sciences, clinical research, or healthcare services.
• Global transaction and partnership experience.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the corporate development strategy with the CEO, CFO, and senior leadership.
• Identify, source, and prioritize acquisition targets and strategic partnerships across life sciences.
• Lead end-to-end deal execution: valuation, due diligence, negotiation, structuring, and closing.
• Coordinate cross-functional due diligence with IT, Finance, Legal, Operations, Quality, HR and Commercial.
• Oversee post-merger integration to realize synergies and long-term value creation.
• Maintain relationships with investment banks, advisors, founders, and industry stakeholders.
• Present investment cases and transaction updates to the Board.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Cross-functional leadership

Deal execution

Tools

Financial modeling

Job description

Who we are

We're a global, midsize CRO that pushes boundaries, innovates and invents because the path to a cure for the world's most persistent diseases is not paved by those who play it safe. It is built by those who take pioneering, creative approaches and implement them with quality and excellence.

We are Worldwide Clinical Trials, and we are a global team of over 3,500+ experts, bright thinkers, dreamers and doers and, together, we are changing the way the world experiences CROs - in the best possible way.

Our mission is to work with passion and purpose every day to improve lives and we are looking for others who value this same pursuit.

Why Worldwide

We believe everyone plays an important role in making a world of difference for patients and their caregivers. From our hands-on, accessible leaders, to our cohesive and supportive teams, we are committed to enabling professionals from all backgrounds and experiences to succeed. We prioritize cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment that continues to promote collaboration and creativity. We are proud to be a workplace where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day. Join us!

Position Summary

Worldwide Clinical Trials is seeking a seasoned, strategic Vice President, Corporate Development to lead the company’s global inorganic growth strategy. This executive will drive mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and other growth initiatives aligned to Worldwide’s value creation plan. The role requires a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on execution, partnering closely with executive leadership to identify, evaluate, and deliver high-impact opportunities that accelerate enterprise value. This role will report to Worldwide Clinical Trials’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with leadership to define and execute the corporate development strategy aligned to the company’s long-range plan.


• Identify, source, and prioritize acquisition targets, partnerships, and strategic opportunities across the life sciences ecosystem.


• In partnership with investors, lead end-to-end deal execution, including valuation, financial modeling, due diligence, negotiation, structuring, and closing.


• Drive comprehensive due diligence processes, coordinating cross-functional teams across IT, Finance, Legal, Operations, Quality, Human Resources and Commercial.


• In partnership with the Integration Management Office, lead post-merger integration planning and execution to ensure delivery of synergies and long-term value creation.


• Develop and maintain relationships with investment banks, advisors, founders, and industry stakeholders.


• Conduct ongoing market, competitive, and pipeline analyses to identify trends and emerging opportunities.


• Prepare and present materials for executive leadership and the Board, including investment cases and transaction updates.


• Lead and influence cross-functional initiatives critical to Worldwide’s strategic growth priorities.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

This highly visible leadership role works closely with the CEO, CFO, and senior leadership team, and regularly engages with the Board of Directors, external advisors, and potential partners. The VP, Corporate Development serves as a trusted advisor on enterprise growth strategy and plays a critical role in shaping Worldwide’s future direction.

Core Competencies

• Deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions with a proven record of executing complex transactions end-to-end.


• Strong strategic mindset with the ability to connect market insights to actionable growth initiatives.


• Experience sourcing founder-led businesses and collaborating with intermediaries and investment banking networks.


• Demonstrated experience leading diligence and integration preferably within life sciences or healthcare services.


• Highly analytical, with strong financial modeling and problem-solving capabilities.


• Structured and logical thinker with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.


• Executive-level communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.


• Collaborative leadership style with strong cross-functional partnership skills.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or a related field.


• Preferred experience in life sciences, clinical research, or healthcare services.


• Global transaction and partnership experience.


• Proven ability to operate in a high-growth, fast-paced, and matrixed environment.


• Experience partnering with executive leadership, investors, and Boards on strategic initiatives.

Personal Attributes

• Intellectually curious, strategic, and results driven.


• High-energy, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously.


• Collaborative and transparent leader who builds trust quickly.


• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on innovation and value creation.


• Able to operate as both a strategic leader and hands-on ‘player-coach.’

At Worldwide Clinical Trials, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace by providing transparent compensation.

The salary range for this position is annually (For hourly paid positions, the stated salary range reflects hourly rates):

United States of America - $213,500.00 - $423,500.00

The salary range provided is intended to give candidates an understanding of potential earnings. Compensation will fall within the provided range, and it not a guarantee of exact salary. The final salary will be determined based on relevant experience, performance, education, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, we offer a competitive benefits package depending on location. We ensure pay equity and transparency and comply with all applicable labor laws. Salary information will be discussed during the interview process, and we encourage candidates to inquire about compensation at any stage.

We love knowing that someone is going to have a better life because of the work we do.

To view our other roles, check out our careers page at Discover a world of difference at Worldwide! For more information on Worldwide, visit www.Worldwide.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.