Head of Corporate Development

FactSet creates flexible, open data and software solutions for over 200,000 investment professionals worldwide, providing instant access to financial data and analytics that investors use to make crucial decisions.  

At FactSet, our values are the foundation of everything we do. They express how we act and operate, serve as a compass in our decision-making, and play a big role in how we treat each other, our clients, and our communities. We believe that the best ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, at any time, and that curiosity is the key to anticipating our clients’ needs and exceeding their expectations.  

Locations - Hybrid: Norwalk, CT | New York City

FactSet is looking for a seasoned and highly motivated M&A professional to join as Head of Corporate Development to lead the company’s end-to-end acquisition, strategic investment and commercial partnership activities.  You will report to the Chief Financial Officer and be responsible for leading a lean, but high-impact team driving FactSet’s corporate development agenda and executing on the company’s inorganic growth priorities.

You will partner closely with the Executive Leadership team to 1) shape FactSet’s inorganic strategy and roadmap, including M&A and partnerships, 2) analyze and make recommendations concerning potential transactions of interest, and 3) lead cross-functional teams to execute acquisitions, strategic minority investments and other related or non-standard transactions.  

The role is highly visible across the organization. Internally, it involves partnering closely with members of the executive leadership team with the pace and rigor expected of an acquisitive public company, and may require regular interaction with FactSet’s board of directors. Externally, you will serve as a senior representative of the firm in the market.  Long-term success requires an ability to work collaboratively with various internal and external constituencies to lead and manage an effective approach to opportunity identification, deal execution and ultimately integration and value capture.  

What you’ll do:

• Own and lead all aspects of the M&A process from initial contact to closing, including strategic evaluation, due diligence, financial modelling, valuation, transaction structuring, deal negotiation and execution of acquisitions, divestitures, minority investments and other related transactions
• Develop, evolve, communicate, and enforce effective frameworks and strategies by which to identify, evaluate, prioritize and pursue potential inorganic opportunities
• Represent FactSet externally as a senior ambassador for the firm’s inorganic agenda – engaging founders, executives, investors, and industry participants.
• Originate and incubate strategic partnerships from first conversation through commercial launch, structuring pilots, commercial agreements, joint ventures and minority investments that create optionality for deeper relationships or future acquisitions.
• Effectively manage the transition of acquisitions and partnerships to internal teams and govern the integration of acquired businesses to ensure post-acquisition plans are implemented and value is captured
• Lead the formal review of prior transactions and inorganic initiatives, capturing lessons learned to enable continuous improvement
• Cultivate cross-functional relationships across the organization, build consensus among key stakeholders and work collaboratively to influence decision-making with executive- and board-level audiences
• Partner with cross-functional groups to strengthen FactSet's M&A infrastructure and readiness by ensuring adaptable and repeatable processes, playbooks and tools across all phases of the M&A lifecycle
• Maintain relationships with a network of advisors and industry contacts (e.g. bankers, consultants, lawyers, PE/VC firms, startups) to gain market intelligence and incorporate relevant external insights to drive internal stakeholder decisions
• Provide hands-on leadership, development and coaching to continuously enhance the effectiveness of the Corporate Development team and build a strong bench of talent
• Support non-deal related strategic initiatives and assist with ad-hoc analyses and special projects, as required

What We're Looking For

• Bachelors’ degree in finance, accounting or equivalent required; advanced degree (Masters/MBA) strongly preferred
• 15 + years of experience, including leadership roles in investment banking, consulting, private equity, strategy or corporate development
• Proven M&A track record with at least 10 years of prior transaction experience in a deal environment, particularly buy-side M&A (deal sheet required)
• Familiarity with FactSet and the broader technology, AI or information services industry
• Deep financial acumen and experience across the entire M&A lifecycle from identification, execution through integration
• Familiarity with structuring and negotiating a range of transactions – acquisitions, divestitures, minority investments, joint ventures and partnerships 
• Demonstrated success building and identifying opportunities through external networks, and credibility serving as a public-facing representative of the firm with founders, executives, advisors, and partners
• Experience originating and standing up strategic or commercial partnerships, including nascent relationships
• Proven numerical and analytical skills with the ability to translate analytical findings into actionable insights, solutions or next steps 
• Ability to partner with the CEO, CFO and other senior leaders to formulate overall inorganic roadmap, articulate M&A and partnership priorities, and execute strategy
• Entrepreneurial, hands on and bias to action. Player coach mentality, willing to roll up your sleeves

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future

The budgeted salary amount range for this position in New York City and Connecticut is $240k - $300k

What's In It For You 

At FactSet, our people are our greatest asset, and our culture is our biggest competitive advantage. Being a FactSetter means: 

• The opportunity to join an S&P 500 company with over 45 years of sustainable growth powered by the entrepreneurial spirit of a start-up.

• Support for your total well-being. This includes health, life, and disability insurance, as well as retirement savings plans and a discounted employee stock purchase program, plus paid time off for holidays, family leave, and company-wide wellness days.  

• Flexible work accommodations. We value work/life harmony and offer our employees a range of accommodations to help them achieve success both at work and in their personal lives. 

• A global community dedicated to volunteerism and sustainability, where collaboration is always encouraged, and individuality drives solutions. 

• Career progression planning with dedicated time each month for learning and development. 

• Business Resource Groups open to all employees that serve as a catalyst for connection, growth, and belonging. 

Learn more about our benefits here. 

Salary is just one component of our compensation package and is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications.