Senior Vice President Corporate Development

Senior Vice President Corporate DevelopmentKorn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers.
Korn Ferry has partnered with one of our clients on their search for an experienced Senior Vice President Corporate Development. Our client is a multinational materials technology company with Operations in Europe, Asia, North and South America. Candidate should live in Europe and be able to stay at the HQ for a least 3-4 days per week (e.
G. second home).
Purpose of the PositionDue to internal talent development and promotion, our client is seeking a Senior Vice President Corporate Development to drive enterprise-wide strategic value creation across the Group. The SVP Corporate Development role is high-profile and pivotal to each pillar of the Group Strategy and it’s successful implementation.
This individual plays a critical role in shaping, evolving and implementing the client’s 3–5 years strategic roadmap across its decentralized business structure. In addition, the role leads M&A and portfolio optimization activities.
The role will focus on identifying growth opportunities, improving organizational efficiency, evaluating strategic partnerships, and supporting the repositioning of selected businesses, including the catalysis portfolio, within an increasingly dynamic market environment.
The future incumbent will ideally be based at company’s HQ country three-four days per week and will lead a team of 20 individuals, with a direct reporting line to the CFO.

Key Responsibilities
Heading Corporate Development activities for our client, including Corporate Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions with diverse and decentral teams1. Strategic Planning and Portfolio Optimization Develop and execute a 3–5 years strategic roadmap aligned with long-term shareholder value creation. Partner with executive leadership to articulate strategic priorities and transformation initiatives at Board level.
Monitor emerging market trend, conduct competitive analysis, prepare strategic options.
Develop short and long term strategy for the different Business Groups.
Lead Group strategic planning process, with tangible financial scenarios, incorporating risk management.
Work with each of the Business Groups, Business Units and Enterprise Functions (BG, BU, EF) on their strategy review and strategic plan, continue to monitor the delivery of the strategic KPIs. Course adjust if needed given the volatile political and commercial environment.
Work with BG | BUs to identify and evaluate new markets, segments, and partnership opportunities in each of the divisions Drive scenario planning and business case development for new markets, technologies, and investment opportunities.
Provide market insights, trends and potential customer feedback to inform product development and CapEx planning.
Monitor industry developments, including regulatory changes, supply chain dynamics, and sustainability trends.2. Commercial Opportunities and PartnershipsBuild and manage a high value pipeline of commercial opportunities and partnership potentials. Develop strategic partnership frameworks with OEMs and industrial partners to enhance the client’s market positioning and commercial value creation.
Guide strategic investments in technologies and circular economy models to future-proof operations.
Oversee end to end major deal origination, bid management, proposal development, and contract negotiation.
Develop and review pricing strategies, commercial models, and business cases to support investment decisions.
Establish and deepen strategic relationships with key strategic partners and other key stakeholders.
Evaluate and pursue regional expansion opportunities, including greenfield and brownfield developments in key global markets.3. M&AGenerate and maintain acquisition and divestment pipelines consistent with the Group and BG strategy. Present strategic recommendations and proposals to executive leadership and board members.
Identify opportunities for M&A deals.
Lead deal process, including initiation, due diligence, negotiation, synergy & financial modelling, integration, synergy delivery, and post investment reviews.
Lead cross-functional teams to ensure strategic alignment between corporate development, BG | BU leadership, operations, and innovation.
Ensure post-deal integration aligns with corporate objectives and delivers synergies and value creation.
Manage external advisors effectively.
Experience and Professional Qualifications15–20 years of hands-on business development experience in corporate strategy, transformation, portfolio optimization, and M&A, gained through both consultancy/banking and industry roles within complex industrial or diversified manufacturing environments. MBA preferred.
Deep financial expertise