Introduction
Corporate Development teams are small, strategic, and often high-impact. Whether you're transitioning from investment banking, consulting, or a startup, mastering the right blend of hard and soft skills is essential. Here's what hiring managers are looking for—and how to stand out.
1. Strategic Thinking
Strong Corp Dev professionals see the big picture. You’ll need to assess how M&A, partnerships, or divestitures align with long-term business objectives. Can you connect a deal to revenue growth or market expansion? That’s strategic value.
2. Financial Modelling
While Corp Dev isn’t as model-heavy as IB, you’ll still build 3-statement models, DCFs, and accretion/dilution analyses. Confidence in Excel is expected—bonus points for experience with LBOs or scenario modelling.
3. Project Management
Deals move quickly, but execution can take months. You’ll need to manage timelines, track deliverables, and align legal, tax, HR, and finance teams—sometimes across multiple geographies.
4. Stakeholder Management
Corp Dev sits at the intersection of the business. You’ll engage with senior leadership, product teams, external advisors, and even investors. Listening, translating needs, and aligning priorities are critical.
5. Commercial Acumen
Hiring managers want candidates who can think like business leaders—not just dealmakers. Can you evaluate the competitive landscape, customer value, or operational impact of a deal?
6. Communication
From board memos to target presentations, you must articulate complex ideas clearly. Whether presenting a deal rationale or explaining valuation metrics, clarity wins.
7. Adaptability
No two days in Corp Dev are the same. One day you’re building a target list, the next you're handling diligence, and then working on post-merger integration. Agility is key.
Conclusion
Corporate Development roles reward sharp minds who can blend finance, strategy, and people skills. If you’re preparing to make the jump or ready to progress to a senior position, Circle Square can help. We know what great looks like—and how to position your profile to land the right opportunity.
