Senior Director, Mergers & Acquisitions

External growth has and will continue to be a key component of Sodexo’s growth story. The North America Mergers & Acquisitions Team works transversally across all business lines, leading execution of Sodexo North America M&A activity, while working closely with the business teams of each segment.

Reporting to CFO for the NorAm Region, and dotted line reporting to the Head of Group M&A.  The Head of Mergers & Acquisitions - North America manages all aspects of corporate development and influences company-wide strategic initiatives to deliver Sodexo’s organic and inorganic growth strategies.

This is a Hybrid Role located at our North Bethesda, MD Headquarters. Travel is not excessive or on a regular cadence, however, candidates must be prepared to travel throughout the region with occasional travels to the Group’s global HQ in Europe.

Deal Development

• Leads, manages and conducts Deal Developments under the direction of the CFO and of the head of Group M&A.
• Leads execution of highly diverse M&A deals from target pre-screening at initial stage and deal sourcing through valuation, negotiation, structuring, signing, closing and post-closing support
• Develops detailed financial analysis & business plan (standalone P&L), defines the potential synergies, develops the Sodexo business case including the synergies and Group Model.
• Prepares the presentation for the Group Investment Committee for pre-approval (LOI) and for signing (updated business case post DD).
• Contributes to the definition of the integration plan.
• Works with multi-national and multi-cultural cross-disciplinary transaction teams through due diligence, working with teams from finance, tax, legal, insurance, treasury, operations, IT, HR, etc.
• Leads the collaboration of subject matter experts to develop negotiation strategies (e.g., drafting of purchase and sale agreements and other transaction agreements).

Other Responsibilities

• Evaluates domestic/international transactions through strategic, financial, and valuation analysis
• Manages all aspects of M&A projects (i.e., acquisition, divestiture, joint venture, venture investment, minority investment) across each of the business segments
• Leads and coordinates the Due Diligence process; drives deal teams including both internal teams and external advisors (i.e., investment banks, law firms, accounting firms) to evaluate and complete transactions.
• Works closely with CFO, NorAm on larger and complex transactions in the region.

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or Accounting, MBA strongly preferred
• Minimum of 10 years in corporate M&A
•  Experience in investment banking, transaction advisory and/or, in-house corporate development, with in-depth hands-on knowledge of mergers and acquisitions and minority investments.
• Works independently to drive high profile initiatives (business acquisitions, divestitures, venture investments, joint-ventures, public-private partnerships).
• Strong background in financial modeling.
• Possesses persuasive communications skills, particularly the ability to develop coherent arguments and present technical analysis and recommendations to senior leaders and other key stakeholders (with different backgrounds and nationalities).
• Strong business acumen and comfortable working in high pressure situations, competing priorities and under tight timelines.
• Experience with negotiation of letters of intent, valuation models, due diligence and negotiation of transaction documents, SPA
• Advanced competency with necessary software tools, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Word, as well as external data sources such as Capital IQ, Thomson Reuters, Crunchbase and Bloomberg.

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's degree or related equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience -10 years managerial experience
Minimum Functional Experience - 10 years relevant functional experience