Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field; MBA, CPA, CFA preferred.
5+ years of experience in Corporate Development, M&A, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Transaction Advisory, or Corporate Finance.
Advanced financial modeling and valuation skills; strong proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong analytical and project management skills; ability to manage multiple transactions under tight deadlines.
Experience in automotive, industrial manufacturing, or related sectors preferred.
Responsibilities
Develop strategic business cases and investment theses with business unit leaders.
Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify acquisition and partnership opportunities.
Build and present financial models and valuation analyses to support transaction decisions.
Collaborate with external advisors including investment bankers and legal counsel.
Lead and coordinate due diligence workstreams across internal teams and external advisors.
Manage due diligence data rooms and timelines to identify risks and value drivers.
Develop post-merger integration plans and track progress against value creation targets.
Benefits
Opportunity to work in a dynamic and growth-oriented environment.
Collaborative culture with cross-functional teams.
Exposure to high-level strategic decision-making processes.
Professional development opportunities in corporate finance and M&A.
Engagement with external advisors and industry leaders.
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title Manager - Business Development
Legal Entity American Axle & Manufacturing Inc
Job Description Summary Dauch is looking for a Manager - Business Development to join our team in Detroit, MI.
The Manager - Corporate Business Development (M&A) is responsible for financial and strategic analyses, developing business cases, coordinating due diligence activities, supporting transaction execution, and assisting with post-merger integration planning for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and other corporate development activities. This role works closely with business units, finance, legal, operations, and external advisors to support the company's growth strategy and portfolio optimization objectives.
Job Description:
Strategy & Opportunity Assessment
Develops strategic business cases and investment theses to support corporate development initiatives, in partnership with business unit leaders.
Conducts market research, competitive analysis, and target screening to identify and prioritize acquisition, divestiture, and partnership opportunities.
Transaction Execution
Builds and presents financial models, valuation analyses (DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions), synergy assessments, and investment return analyses to support transaction decisions.
Collaborates closely with external advisors - investment bankers, consultants, legal counsel, accounting firms, and tax advisors.
Due Diligence & Deal Structuring
Leads and coordinates commercial, operational, financial, tax, and HR due diligence workstreams across internal teams and external advisors.
Manages due diligence data rooms and timelines, ensuring timely identification of risks, issues, and value drivers.
Integration & Value Creation
Develops post-merger integration plans in partnership with business unit and functional leaders.
Tracks integration milestones, monitor synergy capture initiatives, and report progress against value creation targets.
Required Skills and Education
Bachelor's Degree in Fiinance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. MBA, CPA, CFA, or equivalent advanced qualification preferred.
5+ years of relevant experience in Corporate Development, M&A, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Transaction Advisory, or Corporate Finance.
Advanced financial modeling and valuation skills, with strong proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
Strong analytical and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Ability to work effectively in a global, cross-cultural environment.
Experience in automotive, industrial manufacturing, or related sectors preferred.
About American Axle & Manufacturing
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AAM) is a leading global Tier 1 automotive supplier of driveline and metal forming technologies that are used to power a wide range of vehicles. AAM’s products are found in vehicles that drive on the road, fly through the air, and even drive under the sea. AAM’s engineering, design, and manufacturing capabilities allow it to produce products that meet the needs of its customers around the world. AAM has over 25,000 associates operating at nearly 90 facilities in 17 countries to support its customers on global and regional platforms with a focus on quality, operational excellence and technology leadership.
