Dir,Corporate Development

Core & Main, Inc.$130K — $180K *
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8-12 years of relevant experience in Corporate Development, M&A, Private Equity, or Investment Banking with a focus on transaction execution.
  • Proven track record in leading acquisitions from sourcing through closing, with multiple completed deals preferred.
  • Skilled in managing complex deal processes and coordinating diverse stakeholders amidst ambiguity.
  • Strong executive presence and communication proficiency to foster trust among senior leadership and external partners.
  • High emotional intelligence and sound judgment for navigating sensitive negotiations and seller relationships.
  • Solid business acumen and ability to synthesize key deal details effectively.
  • Preferred knowledge of Industrial Distribution and Waterworks market dynamics.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the full cycle of acquisitions from initial engagement to post-close support, including strategic analysis and deal execution.
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with sellers and external stakeholders throughout the acquisition process.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams to align priorities and ensure timely progress on transactions.
  • Mentor and develop junior team members in corporate development with direct oversight.
  • Perform in-depth company and market research to inform target prioritization and investment strategies.
  • Simultaneously manage multiple transactions while ensuring high-quality execution and sound judgment.
  • Identify potential issues early in the process and implement practical solutions to keep deals advancing.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead high-stake M&A transactions within a growth-oriented organization.
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams, enhancing collaboration and professional growth.
  • Mentoring junior staff, fostering leadership skills and team development.
  • Contribution to strategic planning and major initiatives influencing company direction.
  • Flexible travel requirements, giving opportunity for both in-office and field engagement.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

Core & Main is seeking a strategic M&A professional to lead the execution of acquisitions and strategic transactions in a high-volume, high-velocity, execution-driven environment. This individual will serve as a "deal quarterback," leading the full lifecycle of acquisitions from initial engagement through closing and into post-close support. The role is centered on execution, relationship management, and deal leadership. This individual will work in partnership with corporate development, executive leadership, field leadership, finance, and other functional teams to drive efficient, high-quality deal execution and support the company's broader growth strategy. The role will also contribute to strategic planning and key growth initiatives to help prioritize actions needed to promote organizational growth and transformation.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities
  • Lead and manage all aspects of the acquisition process from initial engagement through closing and into post-close support, including thesis development, strategic analysis, financial modeling, valuation, deal structuring, seller relationship management, due diligence, negotiation support, and closing execution.
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with sellers, advisors, and other external stakeholders, including providing steady guidance during high-stress or time-sensitive periods.
  • Lead cross-functional deal teams, including executive leadership, finance, legal, real estate, and 3rd-party advisors, to align priorities and advance transactions effectively with accountability for timeline, process, and deliverables.
  • Develop and mentor junior corporate development team (will have 1-2 direct reports).
  • Perform company and market research to help focus on target company prioritization and investment thesis fit.
  • Manage multiple transactions at once, maintaining urgency while exercising sound judgment.
  • Anticipate issues early, solve problems pragmatically, and keep deals on track without surprises
  • Drive high-quality diligence processes with strong attention to detail, ensuring clean execution, proactive risk identification, and no surprises for leadership or stakeholders.
  • Support negotiation strategy and problem solving by helping parties find common ground and by advancing practical solutions when issues arise.
  • Contribute to strategic planning efforts and evaluate acquisition strategies and growth opportunities in support of Core & Main's strategic priorities.
  • Develop executive-level summaries, board materials, reports, and presentations related to active deals, pipeline updates, strategic initiatives, and other corporate development priorities for senior leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Lead or collaborate on special projects and select organic growth initiatives in partnership with senior leadership.


Qualifications
  • 8-12 years of experience in Corporate Development, M&A, Private Equity, Investment Banking, or a related field with significant transaction execution responsibility.
  • Demonstrated experience leading acquisitions from post-sourcing through close, with multiple completed transactions under direct leadership preferred.
  • Strong ability to manage complex deal processes, coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, and navigate ambiguity in high-stakes situations.
  • Executive presence and communication skills with the ability to build trust quickly across field operations, functional teams, senior leadership, sellers, and advisors.
  • High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and a relationship-driven approach with the ability to support sellers through sensitive and stressful periods.
  • Strong business acumen and command of transaction details, including the ability to quickly recall and synthesize key deal metrics and issues.
  • Thorough understanding of Industrial Distribution and/or Waterworks market dynamics, competitive landscape, industry trends, and growth drivers preferred.
  • Willingness to travel 20-40%.
  • Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems).


Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, management, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in related areas of responsibility, including meaningful exposure to acquisition execution, diligence, valuation, and stakeholder management.
  • CPA/CFA a plus

About Core & Main, Inc.

Core & Main, Inc. is a leading distributor of water, sewer, and fire protection products in the United States. The company offers a wide range of products, including pipes, valves, fittings, hydrants, meters, and pumps, as well as related services such as fabrication, fusion, and rental. Core & Main serves a variety of customers, including municipalities, contractors, and industrial companies, and operates a network of more than 280 branches across the country. The company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California.
Learn more about Core & Main, Inc.
Size
10,000 employees
Market Cap
$4.7 billion
Industry

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