At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic growth through acquisitions and partnerships in a global tech leader.
- Company: Smiths Detection, a pioneer in security and detection technology.
- Benefits: Career growth opportunities, inclusive environment, flexible benefits for your lifestyle.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global safety while working with top executives.
- Qualifications: Experience in M&A, strong financial skills, and strategic thinking required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.
Smiths Detection is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place.
Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.
Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,500 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.
This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.
Job Description
Smiths Detection is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Corporate Development Director to play a pivotal role in driving our inorganic growth strategy.
Reporting directly to the CFO, this high-profile position will lead the identification, evaluation, negotiation, and execution of strategic acquisitions, partnerships, licensing opportunities, and divestitures that will shape the future of our business.
Working closely with senior leadership, the Board, and external advisors, you will have a direct impact on long-term value creation, portfolio development, and strategic growth across a global technology-led organisation.
The Opportunity
As Corporate Development Director, you will be responsible for developing and executing corporate development initiatives that support Smiths Detection's strategic ambitions.
You will lead complex transactions from origination through to completion, providing rigorous financial analysis and commercial insight to support key investment decisions.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly driven M&A professional looking to make a significant impact within an international organisation operating at the forefront of security and detection technology.
- What you will be doing
- Partner with senior stakeholders to further develop and execute Smiths Detection's inorganic growth strategy.
- Identify attractive markets, technologies, and acquisition targets that support strategic priorities.
- Lead financial modelling, valuation analysis, and business case development for investment opportunities.
- Manage end-to-end transaction execution, including due diligence, deal structuring, negotiation, and completion.
- Build and maintain relationships with target companies, industry partners, advisors, and key internal stakeholders.
- Support portfolio reviews, strategic assessments, and divestiture activities where required.
- Present clear, data-driven recommendations and insights to executive leadership and the Board.
- Collaborate across legal, tax, finance, and operational teams to ensure successful transaction delivery.
About You
You will bring a strong blend of strategic thinking, financial expertise, and transaction execution experience, with the credibility to influence at the most senior levels of the organisation.
What We're Looking For
- Proven success delivering complex strategic transactions.
- Strong commercial judgement and analytical capability.
- Ability to influence and build credibility with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
- A collaborative leadership style and experience working across multiple functions and geographies.
- Genuine interest in business strategy, technology, and engineering-led innovation.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism, and sound decision-making.
Why Join Smiths Detection?
This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of a global market leader.
You will work directly with the CFO, CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board on high-impact initiatives that drive growth, shape our portfolio, and create long-term shareholder value.
- Location & Travel
- Based at our Chancery Lane, London headquarters.
- Moderate travel requirements, dependent on transaction activity.
- If you are an accomplished corporate development or M&A professional looking for an opportunity to drive strategic growth within a global organisation, we would welcome your application.
Qualifications
- Degree educated in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related discipline.
- Significant experience in Corporate Development, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Strategy Consulting, or a similar environment.
- Demonstrable track record of leading and executing M&A transactions.
- Deep expertise in financial modelling, valuation methodologies, due diligence, and strategic analysis.
- Experience operating within complex, global, matrix organisations.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
- Qualified Chartered Accountant or relevant financial qualification (ACA, CIMA, CPA, CA, or equivalent).
- Additional Information
Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally.
You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing.
You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing.
Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website.
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Director Corporate Development employer: Smiths Detection
Join a dynamic and inclusive workplace where your expertise in global mobility and benefits will be valued and impactful. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and the chance to work collaboratively across diverse teams in 30 countries. Our supportive culture prioritises innovation and excellence, ensuring that you can thrive while making a meaningful contribution to our global workforce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director Corporate Development
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We think you need these skills to ace Director Corporate Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Smiths Detection.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Smiths Detection. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Detection
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Smiths Detection, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Smiths Detection, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Smiths Detection could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Smiths Detection as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
