Sr. Director, M&A

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & datacenters just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

WHAT TO EXPECT

As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward-thinking, open-minded, and well-rounded individuals to join our global team as a Senior Director, M&A.

Located in our Rochester Hills, MI office and traveling frequently to Denver, CO (corporate headquarters), you will play a pivotal role in leading, shaping, and executing impactful strategic mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other corporate development activities to support the growth objectives. This is a unique opportunity to help shape, guide, and build M&A competencies for a company with a strong brand, global presence, and high-quality financial metrics.

You'll report to the Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Development, where you will be responsible for conducting financial analysis, due diligence, and supporting deal negotiations. You will collaborate with various diverse teams including finance, legal, human resources, and operations - and engage with senior leadership to drive successful transaction outcomes. Together, we will create value and help shape the company's future.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Market Research: Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging opportunities within the manufacturing sector. Attend key tradeshows on a regular basis. Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior management based on market analysis and industry benchmarks to help empower informed decisions that reflect our collective vision for growth. Develop, expand, and maintain market maps to understand industry and competitor trends and identify new opportunities.
• Relationship Management: Cultivate, nurture, and maintain meaningful relationships with external advisors, investment bankers, legal counsel, and other key stakeholders involved in the M&A process. Represent the company's values and ensure open, transparent communication at every stage.
• Sourcing Targets: Successfully cultivate targets, meet with all levels of target companies, and articulate Gates's values, strategy, and vision. Build long-term relationships with potential sellers and update the VP of IR and Corporate Development and various executive leaders regularly on progress.
• Financial Analysis: Conduct comprehensive financial analysis including valuation modeling, pro forma financial statement analysis, and scenario planning to assess the strategic and financial implications of potential transactions.
• Due Diligence: Lead due diligence efforts, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to assess target companies' financial, operational, legal, and regulatory aspects. Initiate and lead project management to facilitate the correct outcome. Identify risks and opportunities associated with potential transactions.
• Deal Execution: Support deal structuring, negotiation, and documentation processes. Assist in the preparation of term sheets, purchase agreements, and other transaction-related documentation. Ensure alignment with strategic objectives and risk mitigation strategies.
• Integration Planning: Collaborate and partner with integration teams to develop post-merger integration plans. Identify synergies, integration risks, and key milestones to facilitate a smooth transition and maximize value realization post-transaction. Operate internal Project Management Office (PMO) to ensure synergies are met.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams that focus on delivering market trends and due diligence and communicate findings and opportunities to empower leadership to make informed decisions.
• Originate and deliver transaction ideas, identifying opportunities, opening and leveraging relationships to open new doors for opportunity.
• Project manage the transactions, drive the target timetable/milestones, ensure quality on client deliverables, as well as managing counterparties and other advisers.
• Manage the overall transaction risks and proactively put in place actional mitigations to ensure the successful closure of the Transaction.
• Lead, support, develop, and counsel junior colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
• Understand the key business drivers as well as identify and manage key issues and risks through insights, factual conclusions, and advice.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related field; MBA, CFA, or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in investment banking, corporate development, private equity, or management consulting including:
  • 5 or more years of experience in corporate development at a multinational company
  • Proven track record of executing M&A within the manufacturing industry is highly preferred
• Strong corporate development background
• Demonstrated and robust project manager experience
• Extensive knowledge of the M&A process, including due diligence, valuation, and negotiation
• Possess integration knowledge
• Solid financial modeling skills and proficiency in valuation techniques (DCF, comparable company analysis, precedent transactions)
• Ability to identify and execute synergies
• Adept understanding of accounting principles, financial statements, and corporate finance concepts
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with cross-functional teams and senior executives
• Proven project management abilities, with the capacity to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and drive initiatives to completion
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential information
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Ability to produce high-quality and impactful professional documentation

• Excited to work in the office with great teammates
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This role functions as an individual contributor position.

TRAVEL

• 75-90% (Global)

PAY & BENEFITS

• Full-Time
• Salary range between $213,290 - $248,000 based on qualifications/experience
• Bonus Eligible: 25%
• No equity will be granted for this position
• Relocation available
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance, and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Eligible for Flexible Time Off + 9 scheduled holidays
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and an additional 3% company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

WHY GATES?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

While we expect the best, we also want to give you the best. That's why at Gates we provide an environment where people can succeed from our policy of 'Dress for your Day' (yes - that means you can wear jeans), health club reimbursement, to your ownership of your work/life balance and more. Visit to learn more.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

At Gates, we believe that we are better together. Proximity has been important to our success over the years as there are critical items that are simply better when done together. One of those critical items is efficient collaboration. We cannot underestimate the power of informal conversations and connecting face-to-face with our coworkers.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.

ARE YOU DRIVEN BY POSSIBILITY?

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