Director, Corporate Development

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

Director, Corporate Development

Based onsite at Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Director of Corporate Development will play a key role in driving the strategic direction and execution of the company by evaluating and executing key inorganic growth opportunities, including mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, and investments. You will partner with senior leaders and internal stakeholders to manage a strategic planning process encompassing market analyses, strategy formulations, make vs. buy analyses, competitive dynamics, and the inorganic pipeline and roadmap. You will play a significant role in building and driving a world-class, end-to-end deal process, including strategic thesis development, valuation analysis, due diligence, cross-functional project management, negotiation support, and integration planning / execution.  

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop strategic theses, market analyses, financial models, and valuations to evaluate and recommend potential transactions
• Manage a strategic planning capability to analyze and prioritize the opportunities supporting the company’s strategic vision
• Lead post-close integration planning and execution with a focus on realizing full strategic and financial value
• Lead cross-functional deal due diligence with a focus on identifying, mitigating, and/or capturing risks and opportunities
• Partner with senior leaders to tackle complex strategic questions and distill findings to build clear and succinct business cases to facilitate decision-making by executive leadership and the Board of Directors
• Partner with key internal and external resources to monitor industry trends, key competitors, and emerging technologies

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years of relevant experience in Corporate Development, Corporate Strategy, Investment Banking, Private Equity, or Management Consulting
• Demonstrated track record of managing complex projects with multiple workstreams, internal/external stakeholders, and tight schedules
• Demonstrated research and analytical skills with a strong ability to distill complex problems, variables, and data into clear insights and recommendations
• Experience challenging assumptions and influencing decision-making processes
• Experience building collaborative partnerships with general management and cross-functional leaders

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree or other advanced degree
• 3+ years of Corporate Development experience inside a company
• Experience leading and/or participating in a variety of complex negotiations, deal structures, and underlying deal workstreams
• Strong attention-to-detail with a focus on proactivity and efficiency
• A self-starter with the ability to work autonomously to drive projects to completion
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and exper