Introduction

Corporate Development (Corp Dev) teams in the UK are increasingly seen as strategic linchpins within organisations. These teams are responsible not just for sourcing and executing deals, but also for integrating acquisitions and aligning them with long-term business strategy. In this blog, we look at how Corp Dev is evolving and how Circle Square can support recruitment in this critical area.

The Current Landscape Corp Dev roles are no longer purely transactional. They involve ongoing engagement with internal stakeholders, post-deal integration, and partnership development. With more firms opting for in-house M&A rather than relying solely on external advisors, the demand for versatile, strategic professionals has never been higher.

Industries such as healthcare, energy, and technology are particularly active, driven by innovation and global expansion. Deal sizes are rising, and internal teams need to be equipped to handle everything from market entry analysis to valuation modelling and synergy tracking.

How Circle Square Can Help Circle Square has extensive experience in placing Corporate Development professionals across FTSE 100 companies, mid-caps, and high-growth enterprises. We understand the unique blend of analytical rigour, commercial insight, and stakeholder management required for these roles.

We help clients hire Heads of Corporate Development, M&A Managers, and Analysts who not only have deal experience but can also think beyond the transaction. Our candidates come from investment banking, strategy consulting, and previous in-house M&A roles. We also support interim needs, helping businesses flex during busy deal cycles.

Conclusion

The strategic role of Corporate Development is growing rapidly in the UK business landscape. Companies need agile thinkers who can align growth ambitions with actionable deals. Circle Square is perfectly positioned to provide that talent, leveraging our sector insights and networks to deliver impactful hiring solutions.