VP - Strategic Investments and Business Development

Olam Group; United States; Remote; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global agri-business is seeking a VP for Strategic Investments and Business Development. The role involves managing M&A, developing investment strategies, and collaborating with business leaders to enhance growth. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in M&A and a strong understanding of emerging markets.

Qualifications

• 18-25 years of experience in corporate investment strategy and M&A.
• Expertise in valuation methodologies and financial statements analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop investment strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Manage end-to-end M&A processes including negotiations and due diligence.
• Conduct market intelligence to identify growth opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Mindset

Communication

Persuasion

Team Player

Education

MBA or equivalent advanced degree in Economics or Finance

Job description

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VP - Strategic Investments and Business Development

Date: 16 May 2025

Function: SIBD

Sub-Function: SIBD

Olam Agri ~ A differentiated, and market leading global agri-business focused on high-growth end consumption markets.

Our food, feed, fibre, agri-industrials & ag-services capabilities span 30+ countries, and we participate in global food and agri-trade flows, working with farmers and customers to connect local origins and global destinations. With a global origination footprint and processing capabilities, we transform food, feed and fibre to create value for customers and enable farming communities to prosper sustainably, to meet the changing consumption, food security and sustainability needs shaping the global food and agricultural landscape.

Job Description

The Strategic Investments and Business Development function at Olam Agri manages mergers, acquisitions, greenfield investments, divestments, joint ventures and strategic initiatives, operating across all business verticals on a global scale. The SIBD team works in close cooperation with corporate management, business and regional leadership to evaluate and recommend to Investment Committee and Board investments best aligned with group portfolio and strategy. Olam Agri seeks to strengthen its SIBD function to support its accelerated growth agenda, where both organic and inorganic investments remain an integral part.

To drive this vision, SIBD is looking to add a seasoned professional with a minimum of 18 years of a demonstrated track record in in-house M&A, Business Development and Strategy. The ideal candidate will have led strategic projects of diverse complexities, structures and sizes globally and across verticals. A global perspective and strong exposure to emerging markets are essential

• To contribute to developing a robust investment strategy aligned with the Company's business objectives and long-term goals, leading to building a robust M&A pipeline
• Proactively identify and evaluate M&A opportunities staying informed of latest developments and trends in the industry, and the M&A landscape and fostering an extensive network of external advisors and industry experts.
• Execute assessments and recommend attractiveness of potential M&A targets based on fit with Company strategy, group portfolio, synergies potential and funding requirements
• End-to-end deal management of all aspects of the M&A process: origination and evaluation of leads, building valuation models, driving internal approvals, managing due diligence and negotiations, deal structuring, transaction documentation, signing & closing and preparing post-merger integration
• Project management of a large external and internal stakeholders’ portfolio: owners/management of M&A targets, investment banks, industry experts and all external advisers, as well as BUs, functions, regional and corporate management, to navigate external negotiation and the internal approval processes and effectively bring all along the successful transaction completion
• Review and evaluate greenfield investment proposals for commercial and financial feasibility, strategic and portfolio fit and adherence to CAPEX policy guidelines. Monitor, track and report capital allocation and spending.
• Conduct competitive and market intelligence to identify white space opportunities and inform portfolio strategy. Monitor competitors, regulatory changes, and sustainability frameworks to help position the business for long-term growth.
• Partner with Business Unit leaders to shape BU-level strategic roadmaps, capital allocation priorities, and growth initiatives. Evaluate entry strategies into new markets and verticals and assess vertical/horizontal integration opportunities
• Contribute to developing existing team to be a best-in-class function, operating as a strategic, collaborative, enabling partner to BUs, functions and Corporate.

Requirements

• A seasoned and well-rounded in-house corporate investment strategy and M&A professional with 18-25 years demonstrated track record of driving strategic investments globally
• Highly knowledgeable and experienced with a variety of valuation methodologies and financial statements analysis, developing investment theses and skillful navigating internal approvals
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree in Economics or Finance is desirable.
• Hands-on experience in managing investment projects on the ground, in particular in emerging markets.
• Solid contribution to investment strategy building and aligning M&A pipeline with overall group strategy
• Background in any one of the following: agri-business, commodity trading or food processing is preferred.
• Demonstrated origination of opportunities through external and internal networks; a combination of IB and in-house corporate development experience is a plus

Personality Attributes

• Leadership & influencing collaboratively : Ability to drive engagement at all organizational levels, highly energetic, driven and self-motivated, down to earth. Able to drive large project teams and influence for results. A track record of building credible relationships through proven powerful communication and persuasion skills. Able to work effectively across borders and cultures and align diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic Perspective and Business Acumen : A strong analytical mindset, being able to understand industry specifics quickly and ability to articulate strategy and business implications. Identifies opportunities and risks, using external and internal information. Can integrate current and future trends into pre-emptive action, or future strategies that shape the direction of the business.
• Results focus : Demonstrated by superb track record of executed in-house investments. Consistently upholds commitments made, regardless of adversities; motivated by stretch targets and challenges. Remains composed under pressure, exhibits high level of entrepreneurship, resourcefulness and can-do attitude.
• Team player : Motivates strong performance-oriented teams. Leads by example and empowers the team to tackle challenges and solve problems effectively. A high level of team spirit and strong integration skills in order to quickly establish her/himself in the Olam culture.

Olam is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nationality, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants are requested to complete all required steps in the application process including providing a resume/CV in order to be considered for open roles.

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