Lead, M&A Corporate Development

As the Lead, M&A Corporate Development at Compass, your main responsibilities include managing the entire M&A process from conception to post-closing. This involves conducting due diligence, negotiating purchase agreements, and overseeing integration phases. You'll also engage in strategy-related projects for our executive team, ensuring that you play an integral role in our expansion and partnerships.

To qualify for the Lead, M&A Corporate Development role at Compass, candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of experience in finance or consulting, with at least 3 years on a Corporate Development team in a publicly traded company or in Transaction Advisory Services at a top-tier consulting firm. Strong analytical skills, along with proficiency in deal structuring and business valuation, are essential for success in this position.

Compass supports its employees in the Lead, M&A Corporate Development role through a competitive compensation package that includes salary, bonuses, and stock options. Additionally, employees enjoy comprehensive benefits like medical, dental, and vision plans, parental leave, flexible spending accounts, and opportunities for professional growth, ensuring a balanced work-life experience.

Success in the Lead, M&A Corporate Development role at Compass requires superior analytical abilities, strong written and oral communication skills, and the capability to negotiate effectively with business owners. Additionally, being able to manage the entire M&A process and work cross-functionally with different teams is crucial to achieve desired outcomes.

At Compass, the work culture is collaborative and energetic, focusing on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the Lead, M&A Corporate Development, you will thrive in an environment that encourages authenticity and teamwork, and where your contributions directly impact the company's growth trajectory.

When approaching the due diligence process in M&A, I prioritize gathering comprehensive financial and operational data on the Target company. I ensure rigorous checks are in place to analyze the financial health and market positioning of the potential acquisition, aiming to identify risks and opportunities effectively.

In a successful M&A transaction I managed, I started with extensive market research to identify potential acquisition targets. I then led the due diligence process, worked closely with legal teams for agreements, and facilitated seamless integration post-acquisition by coordinating with various departments, ensuring alignment with our company goals.

I have a solid background in financial modeling for M&A, which includes creating detailed pro forma models to forecast potential earnings and cash flow post-acquisition. I utilize these models to evaluate different deal structures and perform scenario analyses, ensuring informed decision-making.

In managing conflict during negotiations, I prioritize open and clear communication, focusing on understanding the other party's perspective to find common ground. I approach negotiations collaboratively rather than adversarially, often aligning on shared goals, which helps to resolve conflicts while preserving relationships.

When evaluating a potential acquisition, I consider several key metrics including revenue growth rates, profit margins, market share, and competitive positioning. Additionally, qualitative factors such as company culture and synergy with our existing operations play a crucial role in the evaluation process.

To ensure successful post-merger integration, I develop a detailed integration plan that involves aligning teams and communicating transparently with stakeholders. Establishing clear roles and responsibilities, along with regular check-ins, helps foster collaboration and ensure that integration milestones are met efficiently.

In previous M&A transactions, I faced challenges such as unforeseen regulatory hurdles and discrepancies in financial reporting. To overcome these, I maintained open communication with all parties involved, adapted our strategies accordingly, and collaborated with internal compliance teams to mitigate risks while keeping the transaction on track.

I have substantial experience collaborating cross-functionally in M&A deals, working alongside legal, finance, and operational teams to ensure a smooth transaction. I facilitate coordination between departments to align objectives and integrate insights from various stakeholders, leading to well-informed and strategic decisions.

Some key lessons from failed acquisitions include the importance of thorough due diligence and the necessity of cultural compatibility. Each setback has emphasized the need for a robust integration plan and a more thorough assessment of not just financial metrics, but also the intangible aspects of a company.

I stay updated with industry trends in M&A by regularly attending industry conferences, networking with professionals, and consuming reputable financial news sources. Engaging in professional development courses also helps me keep abreast of evolving best practices and regulatory changes affecting the M&A landscape.