Corporate Development, Director

The Director of Corporate Development at Zinnia is responsible for developing and executing corporate strategies that drive growth through M&A transactions, strategic partnerships, and investments. This includes managing the entire M&A lifecycle, conducting financial modeling and valuation analyses, and presenting strategic recommendations to senior leadership and the board of directors.

To qualify for the Director of Corporate Development role at Zinnia, candidates should have a bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field (MBA preferred) and at least 12 years of relevant experience in corporate development, investment banking, or a related area. A proven track record in executing M&A transactions and a deep understanding of the technology sector, particularly SaaS, are essential.

At Zinnia, career development is a priority. The Director of Corporate Development will not only oversee impactful corporate initiatives but also lead a high-performing team, providing mentorship and strategic guidance. Zinnia promotes continuous learning and offers opportunities for professional growth, enabling leaders to enhance their skills while driving the company's mission forward.

The expected salary range for the Director of Corporate Development at Zinnia is between $220,000 and $250,000, based on skills and location. This figure reflects a good faith estimate of what a successful candidate can expect and varies according to individual expertise, education, and experience.

Zinnia offers a competitive benefits package, including health and dental insurance, parental leave, profit sharing, a robust 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement. Additionally, employees may enjoy bonus opportunities and a supportive work environment that values innovation and collaboration.

When answering this question, outline the specific M&A deals you have spearheaded or participated in, detailing your role in the process from sourcing to post-merger integration. Highlight any metrics of success, such as increased revenues or market share post-acquisition.

Demonstrate your commitment to learning by sharing the resources you utilize, like industry reports, networking events, webinars, or professional associations. Mention how this knowledge has influenced your strategic decisions in previous roles.

Effective communication and relationship-building are crucial. Discuss your approach to understanding stakeholders' needs and concerns, and emphasize your ability to present value propositions that resonate with diverse audiences.

Prepare a compelling story about a specific initiative, clearly outlining the challenges faced, your strategic approach, and the results achieved. Use metrics to quantify success and show how your leadership led to positive outcomes.

Detail your systematic approach to due diligence, including how you assess financials, operational compatibility, and strategic fit with potential acquisition targets. Highlight tools or methodologies you employ to streamline this process.

Discuss your networking strategies, such as attending industry conferences, regular communication, and collaborative projects. Share how you leverage these relationships to identify potential investment opportunities or partnerships.

Share your mentoring philosophy, emphasizing the importance of guidance, support, and constructive feedback. Provide examples of how you've fostered professional growth within your teams, including regular training sessions and performance reviews.

Discuss the financial modeling techniques you use and why you find them effective. Explain your approach to choosing the appropriate model based on the specifics of the deal or company being analyzed.

Demonstrate your industry insight by discussing emerging trends such as digital transformation or regulatory changes, and speculate on how they may affect corporate development strategies for technology companies like Zinnia.

Illustrate your project management skills by explaining your technique for assessing priorities, such as using matrices or digital tools, and your method for keeping stakeholders informed throughout the project lifecycle.