Director, Mergers & Acquisitions (Corporate Development)

Location: Charlotte, NC (Corporate HQ) — Hybrid

Reports to: VP, Mergers & Acquisitions

Travel: ~10-20% (US and Canada)

Direct Reports: None (role operates through influence and collaboration)

About Us

We are a leading foodservice and hospitality enterprise with 30+ independently branded businesses. Corporate provides strategic direction, governance, and shared services while operating companies run locally with agility. The Director, M&A is a center-of-expertise role, partnering with business-unit M&A teams to deliver disciplined growth and integration.

Role Purpose

The Director of Mergers & Acquisitions plays a key role in supporting and executing the company’s mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic partnerships. This position involves overseeing market research, evaluating potential targets, leading due diligence and negotiations, and facilitating smooth transitions to the integration team and functional leaders. The Director will collaborate closely with corporate and sector leaders, investment bankers, legal teams, and financial analysts to ensure successful deal execution.

Key Responsibilities

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Support M&A Strategy Execution: Assist in developing and implementing the company’s M&A strategy in alignment with overall business goals.

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Deal Origination: Oversee the creation of market research, analyze industry trends, and collaborate with sector leadership and external advisors to identify potential opportunities.

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Transaction Coordination: Manage timelines for multiple M&A transactions, from initial assessment through closing, setting deadlines and ensuring collaboration between stakeholders. Manage the process to secure internal approvals.

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Lead Due Diligence: Coordinate the completion of financial, legal, and operational assessments for potential acquisitions, ensuring accuracy and risk mitigation. Lead financial modeling efforts to guide valuation and offer submission.

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Lead Deal Negotiations: Work with internal teams and external partners to structure agreements and optimize deal terms.

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Integration & Value Capture: Influence integration planning with the company’s dedicated integration resources and sectors to deliver day-1 readiness and value creation plans.

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Monitor Industry Landscape: Stay informed on market trends, competitor activities, and emerging acquisition opportunities.

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Governance & Compliance: Maintain a pipeline of deal flow and prepare presentations and related materials for sector and Compass management. Complete post-acquisition reviews.

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Leadership Thought Influence: Act as a connector across corporate and decentralized M&A teams; drive alignment without direct authority.

Qualifications

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7+ years of experience in M&A, corporate development, investment banking, or private equity with direct involvement in deal execution. Experience in business services or multi-site businesses preferred.

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Proven track record in buy-side deals and integrations in decentralized organizations.

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Strong financial modeling, negotiation, and executive communication skills.

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High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.

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High influencing capability – able to lead cross-functional teams without formal reporting lines.

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Strong ethical judgment and integrity.

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Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or CFA preferred