Corporate Development Associate in Naperville, Illinois at VDA
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Job Description
About the Role:
VDA is seeking a Corporate Development Associate to support the company’s M&A and strategy team. This role will help manage the acquisition pipeline that drives VDA’s buy-and-build growth strategy. Working closely with the SVP of Strategy and Corporate Development and senior leadership, this person will support the full deal lifecycle, including origination, valuation, due diligence, transaction execution, and post-close integration. The role is ideal for a self-directed, relationship-oriented professional who wants meaningful ownership of key deal workstreams.
Responsibilities:
- Support all phases of the deal process, including target identification, outreach, valuation, due diligence, transaction execution, and post-close integration.
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify and assess growth opportunities aligned with VDA's strategic objectives.
- Proactively source, map, and qualify acquisition targets to build and maintain a prioritized deal pipeline.
- Build and maintain financial models, valuations, and scenario analyses to evaluate potential acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic investments.
- Prepare investment memos, presentations, and other materials for senior leadership and key stakeholders.
- Maintain and manage the M&A pipeline, deal-tracking infrastructure, and related reporting.
- Partner with cross-functional teams (finance, legal, operations) and external advisors to coordinate diligence and execute transactions.
- Track and analyze the performance of completed transactions and partnerships against approved investment assumptions, and report findings to inform future decision-making.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, business administration, or a related field, plus one to three years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, private equity, transaction advisory, management consulting, or a similar analytical role. Candidates must demonstrate a working understanding of the M&A process and experience performing financial analysis, valuation, or transaction-related work. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting M&A transactions from sourcing through integration.
- Experience supporting buy-and-build, roll-up, or platform acquisition strategies, ideally in a private equity–backed environment.
- Experience using AI tools to improve research, analysis, workflow efficiency, or business communication.
- Familiarity with deal-sourcing and research tools (e.g., PitchBook, Crunchbase, S&P Capital IQ, LinkedIn Sales Navigator) and CRM-based pipeline management.
- Advanced proficiency in financial modeling and valuation; strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
Skills:
- Strong financial modeling and valuation skills
- Deal origination and sourcing mindset, with a proactive, self-directed approach
- Relationship building and outreach to owners, founders, and intermediaries
- Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential information
- Ability to identify and implement efficient workflows for market research, pipeline management, analysis, and reporting.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Process orientation and the ability to build, follow, and improve repeatable workflows.
- Clear written and verbal communication
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines
EEO/AA Employer/Veteran/Disabled Statement:
VDA provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.
VDA is the global leader in vertical transportation consulting and inspection services. We’ve helped clients with their vertical transportation needs since 1980. Our expertise and services impact the design, reliability, lifespan and safety of vertical transportation equipment.