AVP, Corporate Development (Guelph)

Job Summary

Company: CGL.
Department: Corporate Development.
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time.
Work Model: Hybrid (2 days in office).
Language: English is required, French is an asset.
The role is currently vacant.

The Opportunity

We are a leading Canadian financial services co-operative committed to being a catalyst for a sustainable and resilient society. Our team is essential to deliver on this strategy. We prioritize our people to ensure a strong culture and development opportunities that enable our team to thrive and live our purpose. You will work with people that care passionately about our clients and communities.

Our national Finance team aspires to create, enhance, and protect value for our organization and stakeholders. We educate and influence the organization to make well‑informed, risk‑based decisions. We think innovatively and strategically to solve business problems and move our business forward with practical, integrated processes and tools.

Key Responsibilities

As AVP, Corporate Development, a national role across the CGL group of companies, you will report to the Vice President, Corporate Development & Capital Management. Primary areas include:

• Execution and management of transactions and implementation of the mergers, acquisitions, and divestiture strategy.
• Ongoing management, monitoring, and value preservation of the investments within the Corporate Venture Fund (“CVC”).
• Independent preparation of detailed and highly complex financial modelling.
• Preparation of clear and concise business plans and/or presentations for approval to the VP Corporate Development & Capital Management, the CFO, and/or the Board of Directors.
• Conducting primary capital markets and corporate finance research to support the CGL Group strategy.
• Tracking and reporting on the financial and strategic performance of the existing CVC fund.

How you will create impact

• Lead M&A activities as required: negotiate with counterparty, their lawyers, and representatives; work with our business representatives to achieve their goals and objectives while safeguarding the interests of the corporation.
• Perform primary research to identify and analyze potential acquisition targets and initially assess strategic fit with The Co-operators.
• Conduct detailed and complex financial modelling and risk analysis that requires thorough and in-depth understanding of private company financial statements, discounted cash flow modelling, and various valuation methodologies.
• Lead quarterly and annual updates to the CGL Board of Directors as needed by the VP, Corporate Development & Capital Management.
• Play a critical role in supporting fund operations – ensuring we deeply understand portfolio company metrics and how they trend over time.
• Maintain market intelligence strictly within the sectors of our existing portfolio companies to accurately benchmark performance, valuation, and exit opportunities.
• Build and lead a high-performing team to achieve M&A initiatives: recognize high performance and contribution, foster a development culture, coach team members to meet and exceed expectations, and inspire others.

To join our team

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Commerce, or a related discipline in addition to a CFA or CPA designation.
• Have ten (10) or more years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, or specialized transaction advisory.
• Have experience in corporate development, private equity, or venture capital with a strong emphasis on post‑merger integration, portfolio management, and asset valuation/divestitures.
• Possess merger and acquisition, joint venture, divestiture strategy, and transaction experience, with financial services exposure preferred.
• Have exceptional Excel modelling skills including macros, pivot tables, and sensitivity tables.

How you will succeed

• Initiate recent strategies to capitalize on opportunities and lead the implementation of organizational change.
• Integrate complex information to identify solutions or solve problems and apply a strategic mindset to adjust business plans.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement with a focus on client experience.
• Create a high-performance culture through alignment of your team’s work with organizational goals and convey messages with a sense of positive advocacy.
• Develop others to ensure the evolving needs of the organization are met and build effective relationships to achieve key business objectives.

What you need to know

You will be subject to a background check as a condition of employment if you are the successful candidate.

What’s in it for you

• Training and development opportunities to grow your career.
• Flexible work options and paid time off to support your personal and family needs.
• A holistic approach to your well‑being with physical and mental health programs and a supportive workplace culture.
• Paid volunteer days to give back to your community.
• Competitive salary and incentive programs. Eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive total rewards package including group retirement savings plans, pension and benefits (e.g., health and wellness, dental, disability and life coverage), mental health support, and an employee assistance program.

Salary

Salary to be discussed with successful applicants. The salary amount is determined by the Co‑operators in its discretion and will vary based on various criteria including local market conditions, geography, and relevant job‑related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualification, experience, and education.