Corporate Development Manager (Fashion & Retail)

Overview

Responsibilities

• Identify and screen potential acquisition targets or strategic partners that align with the corporate growth strategy.
• Develop comprehensive financial models and valuation analyses to assess the feasibility and impact of proposed transactions.
• Manage the end-to-end due diligence process by coordinating with internal departments and external advisors.
• Draft and present investment memos and strategic business cases to the executive leadership team and board of directors.
• Negotiate deal structures, purchase agreements, and partnership terms alongside legal counsel.
• Oversee the initial phases of post-merger integration to ensure strategic objectives and synergies are realized.
• Monitor the competitive landscape and retail market trends to inform proactive investment strategies.

Qualifications

• A bachelor degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related quantitative field is essential.
• Extensive experience in investment banking, management consulting, or corporate development is required.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, valuation techniques, and data analysis software is mandatory.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and cross-functional teams through various stages of a deal lifecycle.
• Deep understanding of the retail industry, including supply chain dynamics, e-commerce, and brand positioning.

Nice to have

• A Master of Business Administration (MBA) from a top-tier institution is highly preferred.
• Prior experience specifically within the luxury, apparel, or consumer goods sectors provides a significant advantage.
• Language skills relevant to global retail markets can be beneficial for international acquisition efforts.
• Professional certifications such as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation are highly regarded.

Work environment

• The work is typically performed in a professional corporate office environment with options for hybrid flexibility.
• Standard business hours are common, though significant overtime is often required during active deal negotiations or closing periods.
• Occasional international or domestic travel is necessary to visit potential targets, attend industry conferences, or meet with partners.
• The culture is highly collaborative and results-oriented, involving constant interaction with C-suite executives and external consultants.
• Professional tools include financial terminals, advanced spreadsheet software, and specialized project management platforms.

Benefits & growth

• Compensation packages typically include a competitive base salary along with performance-based annual bonuses.
• Long-term incentives such as stock options or restricted stock units are common at the manager level and above.
• The career path leads toward senior leadership roles such as Director of Corporate Development, VP of Strategy, or Chief Strategy Officer.
• Professional development is supported through exposure to high-level decision-making and networking with industry leaders.
• Global mobility opportunities often exist within large multinational retail groups.