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, and flexible benefits tailored to your lifestyle.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making the world a safer place.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global safety while working with top executives.
- Qualifications: Experience in M&A, strong analytical skills, and a degree in Finance or related field.
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 andlifestyle perspective.
Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.
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.
By clicking the link above or any third-party link within this posting, you are leaving this site and going to a third-party website where the third-party website's terms and privacy policy apply
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Corporate Development Director employer: Smiths Group
At Smiths Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in Slough. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a focus on innovation, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the supply chain sector. Join us to be part of a team where your analytical skills will not only be valued but also drive significant improvements in our operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Development Director
✨Dive Into Corporate Strategy Communities
Get yourself involved in online communities or forums focused on corporate strategy. Places like LinkedIn groups or specific Slack channels can hook you up with industry insights, trends, and many potential job leads. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts or ask questions; it’ll boost your visibility!
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Events
Keep an eye out for corporate strategy conferences or networking events in your area (or online!). These gatherings are gold mines for meeting hiring managers and making impactful connections. Plus, having a few good conversations can lead to job referrals at companies like Smiths Group!
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Create content that showcases your knowledge of corporate strategy—think reports, blogs, or even video discussions. Sharing these on platforms like LinkedIn or Medium can demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out to employers looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply for the Corporate Development Director position at Smiths Group via our website! This shows your genuine interest, and who knows, you might just land that interview in a matter of days. Keep your application focused on how you can add value to their strategy team.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Development Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Strategic Thinking:When crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight your strategic analysis skills. Focus on past experiences where you've effectively assessed market trends or made impactful recommendations. Evidence-based achievements, like improving processes or contributing to significant projects, will help us see your potential for driving corporate strategy at Smiths Group.
Tailor Your Narrative:Don’t just send us a generic application! Personalise your cover letter by connecting your experiences and aspirations to Smiths Group’s mission and goals. We love seeing candidates who genuinely understand what we do; share how your vision aligns with ours and what you can bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Academic Credentials:In your CV, make sure to showcase your academic background, especially if you have qualifications in business, economics, or analytics. We appreciate candidates who can back up their skills with relevant degrees or certifications, so don’t be shy about flaunting those achievements!
Utilise Professional Language:While we want you to be yourself, remember that corporate strategy roles demand a level of professionalism in communication. Use clear and concise language in your application materials, ensuring that your ideas come across as well-structured and sophisticated. It’s all about making a great impression right from the written application stage!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Group
✨Master the Numbers
Corporate strategy often involves data analysis and financial forecasting. Brush up on your quantitative skills, and be prepared to handle case studies or numerical problems during the interview. We might get questions about how to approach market trends or assess the performance of a hypothetical company — so practice these scenarios!
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarity with strategic frameworks like SWOT, PESTLE, or Porter’s Five Forces can set you apart. We should be ready to discuss how we’d apply these tools to real-world business situations — maybe even relating them to Smiths Group. This shows we’re not just theory-happy but can articulate our practical application.
✨Engage in Strategic Conversations
In a full-time role like this, it’s crucial to show that we're engaged and informed about current trends in the industry. Keep up with major news and prepare to discuss how recent developments could impact strategic decisions at Smiths Group. This will demonstrate our passion and proactive approach to the field.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Whether through internships or projects, we should highlight any experience that relates to corporate strategy. Have specific examples ready to talk about how we’ve contributed to strategic growth or improvements. It's about showcasing our unique journey and how it will bring value to Smiths Group.
