Corporate Development Manager

Grant Thornton is seeking a Corporate Development Manager to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a strategic and analytical Corporate Development Manager to join our dynamic team within a leading, private equity-backed professional services firm. This role is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing growth opportunities including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic partnerships, and other corporate initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a strong mix of financial acumen, strategic thinking, and project management skills to support the firms long-term growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Market Analysis

+ Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and potential acquisition targets.

+ Support the development of long-term strategic plans and growth initiatives.

M&A and Investment Activities

+ Lead financial modeling, valuation, and due diligence efforts for potential acquisitions and investments.

+ Collaborate with cross-functional teams (legal, finance, operations, HR) to assess deal feasibility and integration planning.

+ Prepare investment memos and presentations for executive leadership and board review.

Partnerships & Alliances

+ Identify and evaluate strategic partnership opportunities to enhance service offerings or expand into new markets.

+ Negotiate and structure partnership agreements in collaboration with legal and executive teams.

Project Management & Execution

+ Manage end-to-end execution of corporate development projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and timelines.

Qualifications:

+ Bachelors degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field.

+ 5+ years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, or a related field.

+ Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills.

+ Excellent communication and presentation abilities.

+ Proven ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

+ Experience in professional services or knowledge-based industries is highly desirable

The base salary range for this position in the firms Chicago, IL, Downers Grove, IL, Denver, CO and Baltimore, MD offices only is between $136,000 and $204,000 per year.

The base salary range for this position in the firms Washington, DC, Bellevue, WA, Los Angeles, CA, Newport Beach, CA San Diego, CA, Iselin, NJ and New York, NY offices only is between $146,900 and $220,300 per year.

The base salary range for this position in the firms San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA offices only is between $156,400 and $234,600 per year.

About Us

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. Its what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

About the Team

The team youre about to join is ready to help you thrive. Heres how:

Whether its your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work in the way that best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firms hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least two days per week, either at a GT office or client site.

Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.

We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different and we think thats a good thing. Thats why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers

When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways were taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers

Heres what you can expect next:

If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.

Benefits:

We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think thats a good thing. Thats why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit:

+ Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firms medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firms employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.

+ Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firms medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firms employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firms 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.

Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.

Additional Details:

It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact ....

For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.