Senior Director, Corporate Development

Overview

The Senior Director, Corporate Development/M&A will play a key role in the development, implementation, and execution of Aon’s acquisition strategy. This person will work closely with Executive Management and regional leaders to analyze and make recommendations concerning potential acquisitions, investments, or divestitures. The position will report directly to the Head of North America and Solutions Corp Dev, who is located in New York City.

Flexibility to travel (up to 25%) is preferred. The position can be based in Chicago or New York City.

Aon is in the business of better decisions. At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. As an organization, we are united through trust as one inclusive team and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.

The Senior Director, Corporate Development/M&A is responsible for valuation, pricing, negotiation, deal structuring, and overall transaction management of potential mergers, acquisitions, and investments, as well as divestitures by Aon. A successful candidate will be a self-starter who is confident in taking ownership for the execution of projects from identification of the opportunity through closing, working with various internal and external participants.

• Partner with the executive team to evaluate our portfolio relative to the industry’s highest growth opportunities or emerging threats, and provide recommendations to address portfolio weaknesses and advance the growth strategy.
• Collaborate with regional and solution line leaders to test the business and strategic rationale.
• Work with business partners in strategy, legal, finance, and other departments to ensure processes and agreements are handled appropriately and effectively.
• Lead and develop a team responsible for driving transactional stages of Aon’s acquisition and divestiture processes, including sourcing, valuation, and negotiation.
• Maintain Aon’s strong reputation within the investment banking community and manage relationships with attorneys, accountants, bankers, consultants, and other advisors as necessary.
• Develop and deliver recommendations to Executive Management and the Executive Committee.

• 7+ years of transaction experience in M&A or Corporate Development at a large investment bank or global corporation.
• Significant experience leading teams to complete all aspects of M&A transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, strategic investments, joint ventures, and other strategic alliances.
• Deep knowledge of the professional services, consulting, or technology / outsourcing industries.
• Experience in a demanding environment with highly motivated professionals.
• Advanced degree (MBA) or additional certifications (CPA, CFA) preferred but not required.

• Deep understanding of transaction processes and leading transactions from opportunity identification through due diligence, valuation, structuring, and closing.
• Knowledge of Capital Markets and Corporate Finance, including debt and equity markets; ability to think strategically and tactically about financing alternatives.

• Interact proactively with internal business units and corporate partners in potential transactions.
• Represent the company’s values, support growth initiatives, build credibility and trust, and take ownership of tasks to achieve results.
• Engage with all levels of the organization as a mentor and role model with high integrity.

• Demonstrate initiative, principled leadership, energy, and a commitment to enhancing shareholder value.
• Foster a collaborative culture, encourage responsibility and outcomes, and communicate effectively under pressure.
• Recruit, build, and mentor a high-performing team with a solid bench.

• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong interpersonal skills.
• Motivated, performance-driven, and collaborative.
• Hands-on, operationally astute with presence, confidence, and resilience.