Senior Analyst, Strategy & Business Development (M&A Focus)

Whirlpool • Chicago, IL

38d • Onsite

About The Position

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com. The Strategy and Business Development team is responsible for the overall development, implementation and progress of strategic business targets. Identifies, evaluates and negotiates acquisitions, partnerships, alliances and joint ventures. Directs the planning and preparation of business proposals and makes recommendations to senior management. Currently, Whirlpool is seeking a qualified candidate for a critical Senior Analyst, Strategy & Business Development (M&A Focus) located out of our World of Whirlpool location in downtown Chicago, IL, or at our Global Headquarters in Benton Harbor, MI. This role is a 5-day in-office position. For Chicago-based candidates, you will be expected to report into our World of Whirlpool location and be present at our Global Headquarters in Michigan weekly or bi-weekly. The candidate selected for this position will be an experienced M&A/Strategy/Finance professional who enjoys the challenge and intensity of those fields, yet stays calm, keeps oversight in the midst of the deal, and is resilient in challenging or ambiguous situations. This person will also need to be a self-motivated, high-energy individual who can easily function in a high-demand, performance-driven environment. He/she must be accustomed to working on multiple tasks in parallel. This professional must demonstrate strong project management and communication skills, best demonstrated by the individual's ability to gain credibility with team members and senior management. The Global Corporate Strategy team is aligned with the C-suite at Whirlpool and drives initiatives in the following major areas: Mergers & Acquisitions, Global Portfolio Management, Strategic Planning, Competitive Intelligence, Strategic Imperatives, and In-house Consulting. This position will assist the assessment and execution of specific acquisition, joint venture, alliance, and divestiture opportunities on a global basis by (i) analyzing together with senior colleagues (Sr. Manager, Sr. Director, and EVP), the competitive landscape for potential deals and (ii) contributing to the entire M&A process from outreach to business case development, Board review, negotiation strategy and deal closing. The candidate must possess the ability to occasionally travel (domestic and international) as needed for active projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 2+ years of experience in Corporate M&A, Investment Banking, Consulting, or Strategy and Business Development, focused on transaction analysis/support

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work unpredictable hours, and deliver superior results under pressure and time constraints
• Comfortable on his/her feet building financial models and presenting with clarity to a variety of audiences
• Motivated, self-starter, and possess a strategic mindset and enthusiasm
• Strong situational and self-awareness, combined with a learning mindset
• Communicating openly and honestly quickly builds trust and respect
• Drive to second and third-order insights and develop clear communication and presentation materials to a variety of audiences
• Possess a combination of out-of-the-box thinking and the ability to question the status quo / generally accepted beliefs. Comfortable with ambiguity and change
• Experience of working in global, matrix organizations
• Previous experiences in Consumer/Industrial Goods

Responsibilities

• Analytical and Problem Solving: Use strong judgment, problem-solving, and analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative. Plan and perform all financial and quantitative analyses that will yield critical answers to M&A questions. Understand the required data sets to complete the analysis and procure them accordingly. Utilize critical thinking to evaluate ambiguous issues and manage the delivery of timely, well-triangulated analyses, with actionable insights.
• Stakeholder Management and Leadership Communication: Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders across all functions within the organization. Communicate effectively, both verbally and on paper, with senior stakeholders (Director+) across all functions. Create and oversee the development of major M&A presentations for senior executives. Develop work plans independently to effectively manage the day-to-day activities of global cross-functional teams. In addition, manage relationships with 3rd party advisors, where appropriate. Demonstrate mastery in Google Slides/Docs/Sheets to create impactful, concise communication material for senior leadership.
• Financial Modeling: Showcase an ability to independently build complex financial and valuation models, with informed assumptions, and communicate strategic implications to senior colleagues. Demonstrate mastery of (i) valuation techniques, including, but not limited to, discounted cash flows, public comparables, precedent M&A, leveraged buyouts, analysis at various prices, and sum-of-the-parts, as well as (ii) transaction math concepts, including, but not limited to, synergy assessments, pro forma ROIC, and earnings accretion/dilution. Reliably troubleshoot and enhance others' (i.e., advisors', Analysts') models under time pressure.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package
• Whirlpool employee discount
• fitness & educational reimbursement programs
• kitchenettes
• Beautiful, recently renovated office space
• Barista Bar
• biking/walking trails
• access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing