Corporate Development Analyst

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Development, this role provides critical support to Graco’s Corporate Development and Strategy teams to assess strategic alternatives, including internal development, investments, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures or other potential corporate actions. This role will also help identify and conduct research on trends and new areas of market interest to Graco, doing deep dives on identified areas of opportunity and making recommendations on them to senior management.  
 

This role is currently based at our Minneapolis office and will transition to our new headquarters in Dayton, MN, in 2027

What You Will Do at Graco

• Conducting financial statement analysis to evaluate business performance and assist in developing business forecasts and valuation models 

• Research into existing and new-to-Graco markets, industries and applications, and help in identifying potential strategies, opportunities or M&A targets 

• Evaluating potential targets’ products, capabilities and financial profiles, and assessing the attractiveness and highlighting the potential fit with Graco’s strategies and businesses 

• Preparing in-depth analyses and investment presentations for executives enabling them to make effective capital allocation decisions 

• Assisting in organizing and facilitating M&A due diligence processes including collaborating with business teams to validate strategic rationale and reasonableness of key financial drivers 

• Prepare and maintain research documentation for appropriate distribution.

• Deliver data-driven insights to support actionable strategy, prioritization of investments and resources through results of in-depth analytics

M&A, Business & Market Analysis:

• Conduct in-depth business and market analysis to provide insights into market trends, competitors, and potential growth opportunities.

• Use data-driven methods to identify business gaps and opportunities, supporting the development of strategic recommendations.

• Monitor industry developments and communicate findings that impact the company’s strategic direction.

• Analyze competitive investments, assets and corporate activities to identify strategic intent to plot competitive moves

Reporting & Documentation:

• Develop clear, concise, and actionable reports for leadership, providing analytic insights and critical details from the research,

• Create presentations for key stakeholders, highlighting key findings and recommendations.

• Prepare regular progress updates on key projects and the strategic planning process for internal teams.

What You Will Bring to Graco

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or an MBA with finance emphasis.

• Prior investment banking, transaction advisory services, or corporate development experience

• 3+ years experience in working with financial valuation models or analyzing financial statements in the context of M&A transactions.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with a strong focus on time management and organizational skills.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and synthesize complex data into actionable insights.

• Excellent research and problem-solving skills and sound business judgment.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, including executive levels.

• Financial literacy, attention to detail and concern for accuracy.

• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.

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At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco’s culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.

Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

The base pay range for this position is listed below, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation.  If you are hired, your final base hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and/or experience.  In addition to those factors, we will also consider internal equity of our current employees.  Please keep in mind that the range provided is the full base salary range for the role.  Hiring at or near the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.