Sr. Associate, Corporate Development

Company Description

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The Team:

The Strategy and Corporate Development team is a small and elite team responsible for Mattel’s overall corporate strategy, and whose day-to-day responsibilities include strategic planning, M&A and corporate development, and strategic projects. We are at the forefront of Mattel’s next chapter of growth.

Job Description

The Opportunity: 

Mattel is currently seeking a Senior Associate to join the Strategy and Corporate Development team at our El Segundo, CA headquarters. Each member of this high-performing team plays a key role in shaping the future of Mattel.

This role is focused on M&A and Corporate Development, working closely with the Senior Director of Corporate Development to support the development and execution of Mattel’s M&A and strategic growth initiatives. The Senior Associate will help evaluate acquisition opportunities, strategic partnerships, and investments, support transaction execution, perform financial analysis and valuation, and collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the organization.

• Significant opportunity for impact through shaping Mattel’s corporate strategy and supporting key M&A and corporate development priorities.

• Exposure to Mattel’s executive leadership team and opportunity to work closely with senior executives to drive business impact.

• Exposure across the organization through cross-functional projects including marketing, sales, finance, supply chain, digital, and studios teams.

• Competitive compensation and benefits.

• Accelerated career growth and a positive work environment.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

• Support the evaluation and execution of potential mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, strategic investments, and partnerships.

• Build and maintain detailed financial models and valuation analyses, including DCF, precedent transactions, and comparable company analyses.

• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and industry diligence to identify and assess strategic opportunities.

• Track and maintain Mattel’s corporate development pipeline and assist in opportunity screening and prioritization.

• Support diligence efforts by coordinating information requests, analyzing diligence findings, and working closely with cross-functional teams and external advisors.

• Prepare executive presentations, investment committee materials, and strategic analysis for senior leadership.

• Assist with transaction execution, integration planning, and post-close value creation initiatives.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• BA / BS degree from a top-tier university.

• 3-6 years of professional experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, transaction advisory, consulting, or a related field.

• Experience supporting M&A transactions, strategic investments, financing transactions, or other corporate finance activities.

• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills, including DCF, trading comparables, and precedent transaction analyses.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.

• Strong communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to work successfully in cross-functional teams and support multiple workstreams simultaneously.

• Demonstrated track record of strong performance and impact.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree.

• Consumer, Technology, Media, Entertainment, or related industry experience.

• Exposure to transaction execution and due diligence processes.

• Demonstrated growth mindset through continuous learning, curiosity, and professional development.

*The pay range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base pay will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential. 

Additional Information

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this ro