Head of Corporate Development

Kilkenny/Dublin/Hybrid

Tirlán

Tirlán, is a world-class food and nutrition co-operative, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands.

Tirlán owns leading brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Solmiko, Truly Grass Fed, Premier Milk, Wexford, mymilkman.ie and GAIN Animal Nutrition.

We nurture a talented team across Ireland, the US, MEA and China, delivering annual revenues of over €3 billion, and over 2,300 people to manage our network of 11 processing plants and 52 agri branches. Our purpose is to nourish the world, while safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Role Profile

The Head of Corporate Development reports to the Chief Strategy & Investment Officer. This role directly supports the delivery of strategic investment projects and the development and execution of the Tirlan investment strategy. Projects may involve mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, venture capital investments, cross functional projects, new partnership arrangements, and business improvement reviews. This role will closely collaborate with the ELT (Executive Leadership Team) to analyse and develop opportunities. The Head of Corporate Development will lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of these opportunities in conjunction with Category Directors and business partners.  The successful candidate will be required to lead and evolve the investment strategy, ensuring the business knows what to focus on, and be able to communicate that internally to ensure alignment among the various stakeholders.   

The Head of Corporate Development will be expected to take the lead on M&A origination and execution, and thus the position requires a highly commercial professional with proven experience in corporate finance, strategic corporate development and M&A. You will also be responsible for engaging with senior stakeholders internally and externally so it’s imperative you are able to act as a strong leader with strong partnership building skills.

The primary functions of this role will be:

• Lead strategic planning initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, market research, and identification of new business growth opportunities
• Work closely with ELT and the Senior Leadership Group (SLG) to ensure the successful execution and implementation of strategic initiatives
• Develop the M&A pipeline by building and managing relationships with existing and potential future partners
• Identify and evaluate new investment opportunities
• Work with the commercial and finance functions to develop demand driven business cases for proposed investments
• Prepare for and lead C-level meetings for proposed investments
• Partner with Strategy Function and Category Directors to ensure that Investment Strategy is aligned with overall corporate strategy
• Conduct strategic research and analysis, including financial analysis, competitor analysis, stakeholder analysis and developing strategic insights and recommendations
• Managing project scope, timelines and implementation
• Working with the Enterprise PMO on project updates, risks and key deliverables

Key Requirements & Competencies:

• 7-10 years’ experience in corporate finance, M&A, or corporate development
• Significant experience leading complex transactions from end to end, including the negotiation of commercial and legal contracts
• Experience in supporting executive leadership teams and boards with clear and impactful business cases and detailed market insights to support Tirlan’s strategic agenda and investment proposals
• Proven track record identifying new investment and / or acquisition opportunities
• Experience in managing change and complex projects with multiple senior stakeholders
• Ability to bring a vast amount of information to an opportunity or challenge and quickly understand what is important
• Ability to evaluate strategic options and provide clear recommendations ground in data & facts
• Self-starter with the ability to work in and navigate a complex, cross-functional commercial environment to “get things done”
• Results orientated with a high level of initiative, willing to take the lead in projects and to promote the development from concept to realization
• Strategic Agility - Ability to work towards the project delivery, manage priority setting and to systematically coordinate multiple projects
• Interpersonal Savvy - Excellent interpersonal and communication skills paired with the ability to build and manage relationships with internal & external stakeholders
• Creativity - Successful track record of developing creative methods and ‘outside the box’ thinking
• Dealing with Ambiguity - Strong desire and ability to work in fast paced, deadline orientated, ambiguous environment
• Organisational Agility - Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to multitask while meeting of strict deadlines
• Negotiating – Proven superior negotiating and influencing skills
• Highly proficient written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in financial modelling and valuation techniques
• Experience within the dairy, consumer food, or B2B food industry a plus

We offer

• Hybrid working
• Free parking incl. EV charging – where applicable
• On-site gym free to use for employees
• Parenting room
• Work/life balance and collaborative work culture

About us

Through our expertise in research and development, customer insights, food safety and state-of-the-art manufacturing we bring innovative food and nutrition solutions to a global market.  Our new and vibrant headquarters in Kilkenny City operates as a collaboration hub where multi-functional teams come together in a hybrid work environment.

We believe in the value of difference. We know that different perspectives, life experience and backgrounds can drive innovation and deliver growth.

We welcome people from all walks of life without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability status. 

Join our Talent Pool

Considering a new career in Tirlán but this isn’t the role for you? Join our talent community and sign up for job notifications at www.tirlan.com/careers

Tirlán is a Values Based Organisation