Dir,Corporate Development

Job Summary

Core & Main is seeking a strategic M&A professional to lead the execution of acquisitions and strategic transactions in a high-volume, high-velocity, execution-driven environment.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities And Key Accountabilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the acquisition process from initial engagement through closing and into post-close support, including thesis development, strategic analysis, financial modeling, valuation, deal structuring, seller relationship management, due diligence, negotiation support, and closing execution.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with sellers, advisors, and other external stakeholders, including providing steady guidance during high-stress or time-sensitive periods.
• Lead cross-functional deal teams, including executive leadership, finance, legal, real estate, and 3rd-party advisors, to align priorities and advance transactions effectively with accountability for timeline, process, and deliverables.
• Develop and mentor junior corporate development team (will have 1-2 direct reports).
• Perform company and market research to help focus on target company prioritization and investment thesis fit.
• Manage multiple transactions at once, maintaining urgency while exercising sound judgment.
• Anticipate issues early, solve problems pragmatically, and keep deals on track without surprises.
• Drive high-quality diligence processes with strong attention to detail, ensuring clean execution, proactive risk identification, and no surprises for leadership or stakeholders.
• Support negotiation strategy and problem solving by helping parties find common ground and by advancing practical solutions when issues arise.
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts and evaluate acquisition strategies and growth opportunities in support of Core & Main’s strategic priorities.
• Develop executive-level summaries, board materials, reports, and presentations related to active deals, pipeline updates, strategic initiatives, and other corporate development priorities for senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Lead or collaborate on special projects and select organic growth initiatives in partnership with senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 8-12 years of experience in Corporate Development, M&A, Private Equity, Investment Banking, or a related field with significant transaction execution responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience leading acquisitions from post-sourcing through close, with multiple completed transactions under direct leadership preferred.
• Strong ability to manage complex deal processes, coordinate cross-functional stakeholders, and navigate ambiguity in high-stakes situations.
• Executive presence and communication skills with the ability to build trust quickly across field operations, functional teams, senior leadership, sellers, and advisors.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and a relationship-driven approach with the ability to support sellers through sensitive and stressful periods.
• Strong business acumen and command of transaction details, including the ability to quickly recall and synthesize key deal metrics and issues.
• Thorough understanding of Industrial Distribution and/or Waterworks market dynamics, competitive landscape, industry trends, and growth drivers preferred.
• Willingness to travel 20-40%.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems).

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, management, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in related areas of responsibility, including meaningful exposure to acquisition execution, diligence, valuation, and stakeholder management.
• CPA/CFA a plus.