Director, Corporate Development

Company: Aon Hewitt
Location: Chicago
Posted on: May 28, 2025

Job Description:

The Director, Corporate Development/M&A will play a key role in the development, implementation and execution of Aon's acquisition strategy. This person will provide leadership to the valuation and transaction execution of new investment opportunities. The successful candidate will interact significantly with members of the senior leadership team, leaders of the business units and the Board of Directors. The position will report directly to the Vice President of Corporate Development who is located in Chicago, IL. Flexibility to travel (The position will be located in Chicago and there is flexibility to work in a hybrid schedule! Aon is in the business of better decisionsAs an organization, we are united through trust as one inclusive team and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.What the day will look likeThe Director, Corporate Development/M&A is responsible for the valuation, pricing negotiation, deal structuring, and overall transaction management of potential mergers, acquisitions and investments as well as divestitures by the company. This will include, but may not be limited to:

• Partnering with the regional and solution line leaders and teams to pressure test business and strategic rationale
• Partnering with business leaders to extend strategic plans to build inorganic strategic pipelines
• Leading and managing a team which is responsible for driving the transactional stages of Aon's acquisition and divestiture processes, including primarily the sourcing, valuation and negotiation of the transaction
• Ensuring that Aon's reputation and profile within the investment banking community remains strong, focused and positive to facilitate high quality deal flow. Managing relationships with attorneys, accountants, bankers, consultants and other advisors as necessary.Skills and experience that will lead to success
  • 5+ years of transaction experience in M&A or Corporate Development at a large Investment Bank or large, global Corporation
  • Significant experience in leading teams to successfully execute all aspects of M&A transactions including: acquisitions, divestitures, strategic investments, joint ventures and other strategic alliances.
  • Deep knowledge and understanding of the professional services, consulting, or technology/ outsourcing industries.
  • Experience working in a demanding environment with highly motivated and driven professionals
  • An advanced degree (i.e. MBA) or additional certifications (i.e. CPA, CFA) are preferred, but not required.Ideal competenciesTechnical Skills and Strategic Acumen - An experienced transaction professional who can draw from a vast amount of experience in leading transactions, including:
    • Deep understanding and experience in transaction processes
    • Leading transaction processes including: sourcing, valuation, structuring,
    • Having knowledge of Capital Markets and Corporate Finance, including Debt and Equity Markets, and being able to think strategically and tactically about financing alternatives.Proactive and Collaborative Mindset - An individual who can seamlessly interact in a proactive and collaborative way with internal business units and corporate stakeholders in potential transactions by:
      • Consistently representing the company's values, while assisting in the implementation of the company's growth agenda.
      • Building strong relationships that foster credibility, trust and cooperation.
      • Taking responsibility and demonstrating personal ownership of tasks and following through to get required results.Leadership and Presence - An inspiring leader who will command respect within Aon, as well as continuing to build out, cultivate and develop the Corporate Development team by:
        • Demonstrating initiative, principled leadership, energy and enthusiasm with an ongoing commitment to enhancing shareholder value in a way that is consistent with the company's beliefs and values.
        • Having an open and engaged style that creates a culture of collaboration and collegiality, but sets high standards and instills a sense of accountability in a performance-oriented environment.
        • Bringing judgment and maturity and having an with an ability to interact at all levels of the organization as one who is perceived as a strong role model, coach and mentor with strong character and high integrity.
        • Being an articulate communicator who is resilient with an ability to remain cool under pressure, adapt and be flexible; able to think on one's feet, prioritize, and make critical decisions on a timely basis.
        • Recruiting and attracting top talent as well as building, developing, motivating and mentoring teams with a strong bench that will drive execution and achieve superior levels of performance.Desired personal characteristics
          • Highly intelligent, strategic and analytical thinker.
          • Strong marketing and interpersonal skills.
          • Motivated and performance-driven with a strong work ethic.
          • Collegial, collaborative partnership mentality.
          • Hands-on, engaged and operationally astute.
          • Presence, confidence and self-awareness.
          • Resilience, resourcefulness and flexibility.
          • Entrepreneurial mindsetHow we support our colleaguesIn addition to our comprehensive benefits package, we encourage an inclusive workforce. Plus, our agile environment allows you to manage your wellbeing and work/life balance, ensuring you can be your best self at Aon. Furthermore, all colleagues enjoy two "Global Wellbeing Days" each year, encouraging you to take time to focus on yourself. We offer a variety of working style solutions for our colleagues as well.Our continuous learning culture inspires and equips you to learn, share and grow, helping you achieve your fullest potential. As a result, at Aon, you are more connected, more relevant, and more valued.Aon values an innovative and inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Aon is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.Aon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital, domestic partner status, or other legally protected status. People with criminal histories are encouraged to apply.We welcome applications from all and provide individuals with disabilities with reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application, interview process and to perform essential job functions once onboard. If you would like to learn more about the reasonable accommodations we provide, email For positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction record in accordance with local Fair Chance ordinances.Aon is not accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this position. If you are a search firm, you will not be compensated in any way for your submission of a candidate, even if Aon hires that candidate.Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.Pay Transparency LawsThe salary range for this position (intended for U.S. applicants) is $175,000 - $210,000 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.The salary range reflected is based on a primary work location of Chicago, Illinois. The actual salary may vary for applicants in a different geographic location.This position is eligible to participate in one of Aon's annual incentive plans to receive an annual discretionary bonus in addition to base salary. The amount of any bonus varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan.Aon offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and regular part-time colleagues, including, but not limited to: a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; an employee stock purchase plan; consideration for long-term incentive awards at Aon's discretion; medical, dental and vision insurance, various types of leaves of absence, paid time off, including 12 paid holidays throughout the calendar year, 15 days of paid vacation per year, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, short-term disability and optional long-term disability, health savings account, health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts,employee and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; optional personal insurance policies, adoption assistance, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.#LI-SP1#LI-HYBRID2563035
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Keywords: Aon Hewitt, Oak Park , Director, Corporate Development, Executive , Chicago, Illinois