Celanese

Director, Corporate Development & Strategy

Celanese$150K — $200K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred
  • 10+ years in M&A, corporate development, investment banking, or private equity with record of closing deals
  • Proven ability to run full transaction processes independently
  • Deep expertise in financial modeling, valuation methodologies, and transaction structuring
  • Polished communicator capable of engaging with senior leaders and external parties
  • High initiative and ability to thrive in ambiguity with urgency
  • Experience in industrials, specialty chemicals, materials, or adjacent B2B sectors preferred

Responsibilities

  • Own M&A, joint ventures, partnerships, and divestitures from development through close
  • Lead cross-functional deal teams as the accountable point for process and deliverables
  • Structure complex transactions and manage relevant documentation autonomously
  • Anticipate and mitigate deal risks while managing external advisors
  • Maintain deal momentum across multiple deals, balancing action with timing
  • Build and pressure-test financial models to evaluate deal economics
  • Develop business cases and board presentations with clarity and credibility
  • Serve as an executive-level partner with internal and external stakeholders
  • Maintain a pipeline of inorganic opportunities aligned with growth strategy
  • Mentor junior team members on autonomous deal execution standards

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs
  • Retirement savings plans with company matching
  • Opportunities for professional development and continued education
  • Flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance
  • Employee recognition programs to celebrate contributions
Full Job Description
Celanese is seeking a Director, Corporate Development & Strategy to serve as a deal captain. This is a high-visibility, high-accountability role at the core of Celanese's inorganic growth agenda, built for a self-directed operator who can own complex transactions from origination to close without needing step-by-step direction.

You will not be handed a playbook. You will bring one. The right candidate has genuine M&A depth, strong financial instincts, and the organizational savvy to drive multiple workstreams simultaneously across Legal, Finance, Tax, Operations, and external advisors. You pick up the ball and run.Responsibilities:
Deal Execution & Transaction Management
  • Own M&A, joint venture, strategic partnership, and divestiture transactions end-to-end from thesis development through due diligence, negotiation, and close
  • Lead cross-functional deal teams as the single point of accountability for process, timeline, and deliverables - without requiring escalation on day-to-day decisions
  • Structure complex transactions including term sheets, LOIs, and purchase agreements; manage data rooms and workstream interdependencies with autonomy and precision
  • Anticipate deal risks proactively and develop mitigation strategies; manage external advisors including investment banks, legal counsel, and consultants with discipline and direction
  • Maintain deal momentum across multiple concurrent transactions, knowing when to push and when to pause

Financial Analysis & Valuation
  • Build and pressure-test complex financial models including DCF, accretion/dilution, and scenario analyses to evaluate deal economics
  • Develop and defend business cases, investment committee materials, and board-level presentations with credibility and clarity
  • Apply deep understanding of corporate finance to structure deals that maximize value and align with Celanese's capital allocation priorities
  • Partner with Treasury and FP&A to evaluate financing structures, balance sheet implications, and integration financial plans

Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Management
  • Serve as a credible, executive-level partner to internal senior leaders and external counterparties including C-suite executives, founders, and investment bankers
  • Represent BSD in cross-functional leadership forums; communicate deal status, risks, and recommendations with authority
  • Develop and maintain a pipeline of inorganic opportunities aligned to Celanese's portfolio and growth strategy
  • Mentor junior team members and model the standard for what excellent, autonomous deal execution looks like
Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred
  • Experience: 10+ years in M&A, corporate development, investment banking, or private equity with a demonstrated track record of closing deals
  • Deal ownership: Proven ability to run a full transaction process independently - you've been the one accountable for getting it done
  • Finance fluency: Deep command of financial modeling, valuation methodologies, and transaction structuring
  • Executive presence: Polished communicator who can hold a room with senior leaders and external counterparties alike
  • Drive: High initiative, low ego. Thrives in ambiguity, moves with urgency, and doesn't wait to be told twice
  • Industry:Experience in industrials, specialty chemicals, materials, or adjacent B2B sectors a strong plus

About Celanese

Celanese is a global technology and specialty materials company that engineers and manufactures a wide variety of products essential to everyday living.You can "Be in Your Element" at Celanese. We know it’s people who drive our innovation-focused growth strategy, and we know that the best people will thrive in a culture that both challenges and rewards performance financially and with new opportunities and innovation. Celanese is committed to research and development, will give you opportunities to work on interesting projects, and will challenge and reward your success.

Celanese Careers

Join the vibrant team at Celanese, a global leader in chemical and specialty materials, where innovation and sustainability drive groundbreaking solutions across industries. At Celanese, we are committed to improving the world through our materials, and there has never been a better time to explore the job opportunities available within our expansive network.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career at Celanese where you can use your skills to make a significant impact. Our company thrives on diversity and leadership, fostering a culture where every team member is a key player in our shared mission. With Celanese, you will engage in work that pushes the boundaries of materials science to enhance global industries.

Innovate and Lead

Join a team where innovation is at the core of everything we do. At Celanese, you will collaborate with over 7,500 dedicated professionals globally, who are leaders in technology, sustainability, and market solutions. Our leadership in the industry is driven by a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring that we always stay ahead of the curve.

Grow Your Career

Celanese is not just a company; it's a place where you can grow your professional career through continuous learning and opportunities. From leadership development programs to diversity training, our commitment to your career growth is unwavering. We believe in nurturing talent through professional development and providing the tools needed for your career journey.

Be Part of Our Team

Experience the power of networking and collaboration at Celanese. Our culture promotes an inclusive environment where ideas thrive and innovation flourishes. We are hiring creative and solution-driven team players who are ready to contribute to our dynamic environment. Explore a range of positions, from internships to full-time roles, and find where you fit best.

Benefits and Culture

At Celanese, we understand that our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we offer competitive benefits designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members and their families. From comprehensive health benefits to performance bonuses, our benefits package is designed to enhance your life and grow your career.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you're updating your resume, preparing for an interview, or seeking new challenges, Celanese offers a variety of job opportunities to propel your career forward. Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract professionals who are passionate about their work and eager to make a difference.

Stay Connected

Join the Celanese team and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse workforce. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, and driven individuals to join our global team.

SEARCH CELANESE JOBS

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READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Celanese. Join Celanese today and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference in the world through innovative solutions and sustainable practices. Your future starts here!
Learn more about Celanese
Size
8,529 employees
Market Cap
$11 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.9 billion
Founded
1918
5 Year Trend
+9.6%
Revenue
$5.6 billion
NASDAQ

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