VP Business Development & Strategy

Summary of the Role

The VP Business Development & Strategy will be a highly visible, hands-on leader who will direct the development and execution of the business development vision, strategy, plans, and processes that will drive sales, increase revenue, expand markets, and accomplish financial objectives. Working closely with the CEO, CFO, Executive Leadership Team, business leaders, Finance, Legal and the Board, this individual will lead transactions while remaining directly involved in modeling, valuation, diligence, market research and executive materials.

The role also extends beyond traditional M&A. The VP will coordinate the annual strategic planning process, evaluate adjacent markets and partnership opportunities, and support select finance, investor relations and enterprise projects. A successful candidate must be equally comfortable setting direction and doing the detailed work required to execute it.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the enterprise strategic planning and portfolio planning processes, coordinating inputs, financial analysis and executive-level materials.

• Lead corporate development and M&A execution, including target evaluation, valuation, financial modeling, business case development, diligence, negotiation support and integration planning.

• Research and analyze the business environment, competitors, complementary products, suppliers, partnerships, and customers to develop ideas for new products and services, partnerships, joint ventures, and acquisition opportunities. 

• Partner with senior leaders and business operators who own key dealer, customer and target relationships, creating a seamless handoff into transaction execution.

• Manage outside advisors as needed, including investment banks, valuation specialists and diligence providers.

• Conduct ongoing industry, competitive, technology and macroeconomic research and translate findings into actionable recommendations for senior leadership.

• Prepare Board and executive materials and communicate investment recommendations with clarity, judgment and strong financial support.

• Build credibility across Manitowoc’s dealer and industry ecosystem, including working with family- and owner-led businesses on valuation and transaction considerations.

• Support select FP&A, Investor Relations, treasury, financing and other special projects based on transaction cadence and enterprise priorities.

Candidate Profile

• Approximately 8+ years of relevant experience in corporate development, M&A, strategy, investment banking, middle-market / lower middle-market private equity, transaction advisory, consulting, finance or a similarly rigorous analytical environment.

• Demonstrated transaction experience with the ability to personally build complex financial models, perform valuation analysis and synthesize multiple data points into clear conclusions.

• Experience leading or materially contributing to diligence, transaction execution and internal/external workstreams.

• Strong business and financial acumen; accounting or broader corporate finance experience is advantageous.

• Industrial, manufacturing, distribution, building products or technical-product experience is beneficial but not required; genuine interest in learning industrial products.

• International experience, language skills or experience working across global businesses is a plus.