Hybrid Corporate Development Director

at AeroVironment

• Job title: Corporate Development Director
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: $183,501 - $259,875 per year
• Degree requirement: Postgraduate Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Simi Valley, United States

About the role

• Corporate Development Director overseeing significant M&A transactions and strategic investments for AeroVironment. Driving valuation, negotiation, and deal execution processes with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation and execution of M&A transactions, strategic investments, joint ventures, and partnerships
• Own the end-to-end deal process for assigned transactions, including sourcing, diligence, valuation, negotiation, and closing
• Build comprehensive financial models and valuation analyses to assess deal economics, synergies, and strategic fit
• Manage cross-functional deal teams including finance, legal, HR, operations, and business unit leaders throughout the transaction lifecycle
• Develop presentation materials for the corporate development leadership team and executive stakeholders
• Conduct market and competitive analysis to identify potential targets and assess strategic opportunities
• Manage relationships with investment banks, advisors, and counterparties throughout the deal process
• Support post-merger integration workstreams in partnership with Integration office and business leaders to ensure successful value capture
• Mentor and develop junior corporate development team members, providing guidance on deal execution and analytical approaches
• Support the VP of Corporate Development in refining our deal pipeline and transaction prioritization
• Contribute to the evolution of corporate development processes, tools, and best practices

Requirements

• 8-12 years of progressive experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or management consulting
• Strong track record of leading and closing multiple M&A transactions or strategic investments, with demonstrated success managing significant deals
• Expert-level financial modeling and valuation skills across multiple methodologies (DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions)
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong business judgment with ability to balance strategic considerations with financial analysis
• Experience managing and mentoring junior team members
• MBA strongly preferred
• Experience with post-merger integration is highly valued
• Industry-specific experience in industrials/defense is a plus

Benefits

• AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.