Head of Corporate Development

Overview Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Backed by leading ship operators and some of the largest ship owners in the world, Circle Digital Ventures (CircleDV) is a fast-growing maritime tech company reshaping the future of seafarer lives. Our ecosystem spans safety wearables, wellness solutions, and fintech services—all purpose-built for seafarers. OBJECTIVES As Head of Corporate Development at Circle Digital Ventures, you will play a key leadership role in driving strategic growth initiatives across the group. You will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing investment, M&A, fundraising, and partnership opportunities that align with our long-term expansion roadmap. This role requires a senior, strategic, and commercially minded individual who can operate with confidence in high-stakes environments, represent the company externally with shareholders and stakeholders, and build enduring relationships across the ecosystem. You are expected to bring a strong transactional track record, financial acumen, and a proactive, results-oriented mindset. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, you will lead corporate development efforts end-to-end—from deal origination to negotiation and integration, while ensuring strategic alignment and value creation. Key Activities / Responsibilities 1. Corporate Strategy & Strategic Growth Execution Lead and execute M&A transactions and strategic investments: from deal sourcing and due diligence to negotiation and post-deal integration. Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership in shaping Circle DV’s corporate growth roadmap. Support strategic growth planning and capital structuring across Circle DV group companies, ensuring alignment with company objectives. Monitor and analyse macroeconomic trends, market activity, and competitive intelligence to identify high-impact growth and exit opportunities. Drive new initiatives that support long-term strategic positioning, market expansion, and operational scalability. Define and lead capital planning across the Circle DV group, aligning timing, goals, and capital structure with business needs. Drive investor engagement and fundraising efforts at the group or operating company level as required. Partner with executive teams to define capital requirements, key success metrics, and timing for external funding. Build familiarity and maintain relationships with relevant capital partners including banks, institutional investors, and strategic allies. Oversee investor readiness, including diligence documentation, financial models, and strategic materials. Develop and update investor decks and narratives to reflect evolving market conditions and business direction. 3. Investor Relations & Shareholder Engagement Represent Circle DV in key engagements with investors, shareholders, and external stakeholders. Manage ongoing communication and reporting to shareholders, Board members, and financing partners. Prepare high-quality updates, presentations, and briefing materials on performance, strategy, and group milestones. Translate complex business and financial insights into clear narratives for internal and external audiences. Support Circle DV’s positioning and visibility in the broader business and investment ecosystem. A. Strategic Planning Advise leadership teams of group companies on strategic priorities, market positioning, and business model evolution. Support annual planning processes, scenario modeling, and performance reviews. Facilitate alignment between group-level strategic goals and operating company execution. B. Capital and Resource Planning Collaborate with business heads to define capital needs and optimal resource allocation. Provide structured guidance on preparing for growth investments or future fundraising, if applicable. Help translate strategic goals into clear funding narratives and internal readiness plans. C. Execution Support Assist operating companies with investor or partner discussions where needed. Review and refine key collateral such as pitch decks, models, and business cases. Ensure consistency and quality in external-facing materials and communications. D. Turnaround and Special Situations Work with company leadership in challenging situations to evaluate strategic alternatives. Support development of recovery or repositioning plans, including internal restructuring, pivots, or divestitures. Coordinate execution of chosen paths, ensuring alignment with group priorities. Build and nurture a strong ecosystem of financial institutions, strategic partners, advisors, and industry experts. Maintain a central database of key stakeholders, touchpoints, and relationship status across the group. Represent Circle DV at industry events, panels, and conferences to enhance visibility and network. Facilitate introductions and relationship-building between operating companies and relevant partners where needed. Experience Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field MBA, CFA, or equivalent credentials strongly preferred Strong foundation in capital planning, M&A, deal structuring, strategic finance and market analysis Prior experience in working with senior leadership, Board members, and external investors. Familiarity with shareholder communications and corporate governance frameworks Minimum 10+ years in corporate development, strategic finance, or investment roles, with operator-side exposure. Strategic thinker with the ability to assess and guide digital-first, high-growth businesses Proven track record in leading M&A, capital raises, and strategic investment processes end-to-end. Strong financial modelling, market analysis, and investor communications capabilities. Capable of working across multiple projects, geographies, and structures with a hands-on, solutions-driven mindset Driven, resourceful, and comfortable operating in fast-paced environments Seniority level – Director Employment type – Full-time Job function – Business Development, Strategy/Planning, and Finance Industries – Financial Services, Software Development, and Investment Management We’ve removed extraneous job referrals and site notices to keep the focus on the role and its requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr