Manager of Corporate Development (Houston)

Job SummaryOur client and its principal ownership group are seeking a Manager of Corporate Development to play a key role in executing their acquisition and growth strategy. This position sits at the center of evaluating and executing acquisitions that expand the company's capabilities, strengthen its market position, and drive long-term value creation. The individual in this role will work directly with senior leadership to identify opportunities, analyze potential investments, and help guide strategic decisions that influence the company's future direction.The Manager of Corporate Development will lead deal execution, including financial analysis, diligence, negotiation, structuring, and closing. This person will also help build and maintain a pipeline of acquisition targets and support leadership in evaluating strategic opportunities. This individual will work closely with executive leadership, including the VP of Corporate Development & Strategy, the CFO, and the CEO, to analyze opportunities, coordinate diligence efforts, and strengthen the company's internal M&A capabilities.While this role focuses primarily on acquisition evaluation and execution, the Manager of Corporate Development will also work closely with the teams responsible for post-acquisition integration and transition planning to ensure diligence insights are effectively communicated and acquisitions are positioned for successful integration. The most successful candidate will combine strong financial and analytical skills with the ability to work cross-functionally across finance, operations, and business leadership teams.Responsibilities and DutiesPlay a leading role in the execution of the company's acquisition strategy from initial evaluation through closing, including participation in structuring, negotiations, and coordination with internal teams and external advisors.Evaluate potential acquisitions through detailed financial analysis including valuation, return metrics, and scenario modeling.Develop and maintain valuation metrics, industry research, and competitive market intelligence to support broader corporate strategy, leadership decisions, and capital allocation.Manage cross-functional diligence timelines and processes across finance, operations, HR, legal, and external advisors to ensure efficient and thorough evaluation of potential acquisitions.Lead the preparation of investment memoranda, presentations, and analysis used by senior leadership and the Board of Directors to evaluate strategic opportunities.Help strengthen internal M&A capabilities by developing standardized diligence templates, tools, and processes that improve the efficiency and quality of deal execution.Build and maintain a proactive pipeline of acquisition opportunities, including identifying and tracking priority targets across the company's business units.Support outreach and relationship development with potential acquisition targets, intermediaries, and industry advisors.Support the principal ownership group in identifying and evaluating acquisition opportunities by helping screen potential investments and conduct initial financial and strategic analysis.CompetenciesStrong business judgment and ability to assess strategic fit and long-term value creation opportunities.Self-starter with strong ownership mentality and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills.Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.Experience working with virtual data rooms and managing diligence documentation.Strong communications and interpersonal skills.Phenomenal attention to detail.Education and ExperienceMinimum 3 to 7 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, or other M&A-oriented finance roles.Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.Salary is commensurate with Education and Experience.