Associate, Corporate Development

• Health/Rx
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Paid sick time
• Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
• Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
• Holiday pay for company designated holidays

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

The Corporate Development Associate will play a key role in evaluating and executing Merger & Acquisition (M&A) transactions, strategic partnerships, and other corporate development initiatives. This role will work directly with senior leadership to drive inorganic growth and long-term value creation. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead financial analysis and support all phases of M&A transactions including target identification, valuation, due diligence, deal structuring, negotiation support, and closing
• Build and maintain detailed financial models including discounted cash flow (DCF) analyses, pro forma synergy analyses, comparable company analyses, precedent transaction analyses, and ESOP-specific valuation considerations
• Source and screen potential acquisition targets; maintain and manage the corporate development pipeline
• Coordinate cross-functional due diligence workstreams across finance, operations, legal, tax, HR, and IT; synthesize findings into clear recommendations
• Conduct industry research, competitive landscape assessments, and market mapping exercises to identify trends, white-space opportunities, and potential targets
• Partner with integration teams on Day 1 readiness planning, synergy identification, and post-close execution tracking
• Prepare Board-ready presentations, investment committee memoranda, and management updates summarizing deal rationale, financial impact, and strategic fit
• Support other strategic projects as needed, including divestitures, joint ventures, minority investments, partnership evaluations and capital allocation analyses
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Expert-level financial modeling and valuation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex analyses into clear, executive-level narratives
• Exposure to the consumer goods, food & beverage, distribution, or retail sectors
• Familiarity with industry databases and tools (e.g., Capital IQ, PitchBook) a plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in investment banking (M&A, leveraged finance, or coverage groups with significant M&A exposure) required.
• Experience using AI-driven tools to optimize data extraction and analysis, and enhance decision-making processes
• MBA or progress toward CFA designation preferred.
• Experience in middle-market or large-cap M&A advisory preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.