Director of Corporate Development

Position Summary

Upchurch is seeking a highly strategic, execution-oriented Director / Vice President of Corporate Development to lead the company’s inorganic and strategic growth initiatives. Reporting directly to the CEO and partnering closely with executive leadership and our financial sponsors, this individual will play a critical role in shaping and executing Upchurch’s long-term expansion strategy.

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Lead the sourcing, evaluation, structuring, negotiation, and execution of strategic add-on acquisitions across target markets.
• Build and maintain relationships with founders, owners, intermediaries, investment bankers, and industry stakeholders.
• Conduct financial modeling, valuation analysis, and investment return assessments.
• Cook up and manage all phases of due diligence, including financial, operational, legal, HR, IT, and commercial workstreams.
• Prepare investment memoranda, executive presentations, and board-level materials for internal and sponsor review.
• Support transaction financing processes and collaborate with lenders, advisors, and private equity sponsors.
• Lead post-acquisition value creation initiatives as part of the integration process and in partnership with Line of Business leadership.

Greenfield Expansion

• Identify and evaluate attractive expansion markets across the Southeast United States.
• Lead cross-functional teams in launching greenfield operations, including market assessment, financial planning, talent strategy, and operational execution.
• Develop business cases and go-to-market strategies for new building solution locations and capabilities.
• Partner with operations leadership to ensure successful market entry and scalable growth.

Strategic Growth Initiatives

• Partner with executive leadership on long-term strategic planning and enterprise growth initiatives.
• Analyze industry trends, competitive dynamics, and market opportunities to inform strategic decision-making.
• Lead special projects focused on operational scalability, geographic expansion, and service diversification.
• Drive data-driven decision-making through financial and operational analysis.
• Support investor relations, board communications, and strategic reporting as needed.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, management consulting, or a related strategic finance role.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully executing lower-middle-market M&A transactions from sourcing through close and integration.
• Experience within industrial services, construction, mechanical services, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or broader skilled trades industries strongly preferred.
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in financial modeling, valuation, transaction structuring, and operational performance analysis.
• Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects in fast-paced environments.
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• High emotional intelligence and relationship-building capabilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field required.
• MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• Experience working within a private equity-backed environment.
• Understanding of construction accounting and project-based operational metrics.
• Experience leading post-merger integrations and organizational change initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the construction industry.
• Experience in the mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical sectors.
• Experience in the data center, hospitality, healthcare, industrial, education, and commercial end markets.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holiday pay.
• Opportunities for professional development and certification assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.