Senior Manager, Corporate Strategy

Cognex Corporation • Natick, MA

9d

About The Position

Cognex is seeking an energetic, highly analytical Senior Manager of Corporate Strategy to lead the corporate strategy process and collaborate with and support the Head of Corporate M&A. The role supports the company’s profitable growth agenda through strategic initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and development and maintenance of the long-range financial plan (LRFP). The position reports directly to the CFO.

The Senior Manager works with the CFO and executive leadership on corporate planning, strategy, capital allocation, and financial planning. The role also supports the Head of Corporate M&A and product teams in identifying and evaluating acquisition, partnership, and other strategic investment opportunities, and coordinates related analysis, diligence, execution, and integration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, management consulting, or a similar strategic finance role.
• Experience in a technically complex, innovation-driven environment, with the ability to understand technologies, products, markets, and business models and translate them into strategic and financial insights.
• Demonstrated success developing and managing long-range financial plans and strategic forecasting.
• Proven M&A execution experience, including target evaluation, financial modeling, due diligence, and deal structuring.
• High proficiency in Excel for financial modeling, PowerPoint for executive communication, and data analysis tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of influencing at senior levels.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience in industrial technology, automation, robotics, software/hardware, semiconductors, or other technology-driven industries.
• Technical or engineering educational background.

Responsibilities

• Work with the CFO to develop the annual corporate planning process, including strategic planning and alignment with product planning and the budget process.
• Partner with executive leadership to shape corporate strategy and capital allocation priorities.
• Prepare strategy presentations for executives and the Board.
• Conduct market, competitor, and industry research to support strategic investment decisions.
• Develop and maintain the company’s long-range financial plan with FP&A and senior leaders, aligning financial planning with strategic goals.
• Work with senior leadership to develop strategic initiatives aligned to Cognex’s LRFP.
• Collaborate with and support the Head of Corporate M&A and product teams in identifying and evaluating M&A, partnerships, and other strategic investment opportunities.
• Drive the corporate development pipeline by sourcing opportunities, building business cases and strategic frameworks, conducting financial modeling, and coordinating execution.
• Work with the Head of Corporate M&A to manage due diligence across legal, tax, operations, product, R&D, and employee services teams.
• Manage post-acquisition integration efforts in coordination with relevant teams.

Benefits

• Annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance or a sales incentive plan.
• Equity under the Cognex Equity Program.
• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Employer-paid disability insurance.
• Family leave.
• Life insurance.
• Paid time off, including holidays.
• Optional voluntary benefits.
• Recognition and wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior