What does a Corporate Development Manager do?
Corporate development managers fill a high-level role in leading an organization’s growth and development activities. They identify, evaluate, and cultivate mergers and acquisitions opportunities, and oversee the entire M&A process. They develop significant in-depth industry insight that allows them to identify potentially lucrative opportunities ahead of the competition. They also lead negotiations to ensure the most favorable terms and ensure organizational objectives are met. They advise executives and stakeholders and may help prepare presentations and talking points.
Corporate development managers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in a business field, but an MBA or similar advanced degree is preferred. These roles require assertive and persuasive negotiating abilities, an acute business intuition, and ability to perform in-depth market research and competitive analysis. Strong leadership skills are also needed.
- Research and source new deal flow opportunities to expand the M&A deal pipeline.
- Execute on deal structuring, negotiation, due diligence, and integration efforts.
- Support the development of short and long range business forecasts and marketing plans.
- Perform and support all capture management and proposal development.
- Prepare, communicate and guide the process, timeline, and key deliverables.
- Monitor and track acquisition targets, including creating company profiles and analysis.
- Oversee global 'exploration', defining new markets and market entry strategies.
- Lead the execution of mergers, acquisitions, and integration processes.
- Lead market research and develop client and competitive profiles. analyze the competitive and bidding landscape (win/loss/bids) and recommend bid-no bid opportunities.
- Contribute to culture and cohesion of the strategy team. externally, establish strong, trust-based relationships.
- Coordinate and assist in outreach activities to potential targets with senior executives.
- Ensure partners adhere to legal and operational compliance requirements.
- Maintain contact with customers to ensure continued business relationships and follow-on opportunities.
- Apply sound business judgment to routinely make recommendations on significant transaction terms with potentially large financial implications (i.e., indemnification provisions, working capital).
- Prepare and present consistent and concise presentations for the leadership team and Board.
- Assist in buy vs. build analysis, valuation and execution of M&A transactions.
- Lead financial modeling and valuation analysis to make bid recommendations to leadership.
- Ensure appropriate focus on and commitment to integration and seamless transition to Integration team.
- Work with product teams to understand their roadmaps and needs to help inform deal sourcing and priorities.
- Determine appropriate valuation and transaction structure by understanding complex financial models including income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.
- Bachelor's Degree in business, computer science or engineering.
- Prior consulting experience.
- Demonstrated business acumen and decision making skills.
- Comfortable collaborating with teams and clients to solve problems.
- Will strive for continuous improvement.
- Sound leadership and attention to details.
- Comfortable making decisions and adapting as needed.
- A critical thinker and negotiator.
- Comfortable with business case development, including dilution, depreciation, and closure processes.
- Can assist with client onboarding and creation of materials such as decks to showcase services offered.
Corporate Development Manager Salaries
Average Base Pay
Corporate Development Manager Career Path
Learn how to become a Corporate Development Manager, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Corporate Development Manager Insights

“Workload is not stressful”

“Various opportunities for personal development”
“have great learning skills to develop career”

“Good people to work with”

“DO NOT JOIN THIS ORGANISATION if you want a good career.”

“USI is a company that provides exceptional opportunities for career growth.”

“Low annual pay increase.”

“Career opportunities are limitless.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Corporate Development Manager
- President
- Intern
- Research Assistant
- Senior Leader