Vice President, Corporate Development

Fortitude Re•Jersey City, NJ

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President, Corporate Development is responsible for originating, evaluating and executing of reinsurance and M&A transactions across the deal lifecycle. This role combines client-facing origination responsibilities with enterprise-focused corporate development leadership to advance the company’s long-term growth strategy. The position partners closely with Corporate Development Leadership team to identify growth opportunities, cultivate key relationships, and deliver successful transactions that align with strategic and financial objectives. This role will be based in our Jersey City, NJ office on a hybrid basis. What You Will Do: Strategic Planning & Growth Identify industry trends, assess competitive landscapes, and contribute to the development of the company’s long-term growth strategy. Evaluate potential acquisition targets, reinsurance transactions, and strategic partnerships in alignment with enterprise priorities. Collaborate with senior leadership on growth priorities, capital deployment, and execution of strategic initiatives. Business Origination Engage key clients with thought leadership and well-researched pitches. Research and identify client needs to generate new business ideas. Help build and maintain a strong pipeline of potential M&A targets and reinsurance opportunities. Identify and develop new client relationships and serve as primary coverage. Serve as primary or secondary coverage for key clients, fostering trusted relationships through thought leadership and well-researched proposals. Deal Execution Lead end-to-end transaction execution, including sourcing, diligence, valuation, financial modeling, negotiation, and integration planning. Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams (finance, investment, pricing, legal, tax, people & culture, and operations) throughout diligence and post-transaction integration. Manage relationships with investment banks, asset managers, broker-dealers, consultants, investors, and other external advisors. Prepare and present investment cases, transaction approval materials, and board-level presentations. Financial & Market Analysis Analyze financial statements, business models, and market dynamics to assess transaction viability and risk. Develop detailed business cases and investment memos to support decision-making, and present recommendations and materials to leadership. Partner with Finance and Pricing teams to ensure transactions align with financial targets and return objectives. Leadership & Collaboration Collaborate with executive leadership to evaluate strategic priorities and recommend actionable opportunities. Represent the Corporate Development function internally and externally, serving as a key liaison in discussions with potential partners and investors. Mentor and develop team members, providing guidance on transaction execution and professional development leading to a high-performing corporate development team.

Requirements

7+ years of relevant experience in insurance / reinsurance, investment banking, management consulting, investment banking, asset management, origination or similar transactional roles.
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
Significant knowledge of life insurance, annuities, and retirement products.
Proven experience leading complex M&A or reinsurance transactions end-to-end.
Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior professionals.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
Growth mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Proven project management capabilities, with a history of successfully managing multiple priorities and delivering results in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
"Roll-up your sleeves" mentality.
Excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills’.

Nice To Haves

MBA, CFA, or FSA, or equivalent advanced credential preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Growth Identify industry trends, assess competitive landscapes, and contribute to the development of the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Evaluate potential acquisition targets, reinsurance transactions, and strategic partnerships in alignment with enterprise priorities.
Collaborate with senior leadership on growth priorities, capital deployment, and execution of strategic initiatives.
Business Origination Engage key clients with thought leadership and well-researched pitches.
Research and identify client needs to generate new business ideas.
Help build and maintain a strong pipeline of potential M&A targets and reinsurance opportunities.
Identify and develop new client relationships and serve as primary coverage.
Serve as primary or secondary coverage for key clients, fostering trusted relationships through thought leadership and well-researched proposals.
Deal Execution Lead end-to-end transaction execution, including sourcing, diligence, valuation, financial modeling, negotiation, and integration planning.
Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams (finance, investment, pricing, legal, tax, people & culture, and operations) throughout diligence and post-transaction integration.
Manage relationships with investment banks, asset managers, broker-dealers, consultants, investors, and other external advisors.
Prepare and present investment cases, transaction approval materials, and board-level presentations.
Financial & Market Analysis Analyze financial statements, business models, and market dynamics to assess transaction viability and risk.
Develop detailed business cases and investment memos to support decision-making, and present recommendations and materials to leadership.
Partner with Finance and Pricing teams to ensure transactions align with financial targets and return objectives.
Leadership & Collaboration Collaborate with executive leadership to evaluate strategic priorities and recommend actionable opportunities.
Represent the Corporate Development function internally and externally, serving as a key liaison in discussions with potential partners and investors.
Mentor and develop team members, providing guidance on transaction execution and professional development leading to a high-performing corporate development team.