Director, Corporate Development

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services complete spacecraft design and manufacturing payloads satellite components and more all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally supporting scientific exploration Earth observation and missions to combat climate change national security and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Director Corporate Development

Based onsite at Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA the Director of Corporate Development will play a key role in driving the strategic direction and execution of the company by evaluating and executing key inorganic growth opportunities including mergers & acquisitions joint ventures partnerships and investments. You will partner with senior leaders and internal stakeholders to manage a strategic planning process encompassing market analyses strategy formulations make vs. buy analyses competitive dynamics and the inorganic pipeline and roadmap. You will play a significant role in building and driving a world-class end-to-end deal process including strategic thesis development valuation analysis due diligence cross-functional project management negotiation support and integration planning / execution.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Develop strategic theses market analyses financial models and valuations to evaluate and recommend potential transactions
• Manage a strategic planning capability to analyze and prioritize the opportunities supporting the companys strategic vision
• Lead post-close integration planning and execution with a focus on realizing full strategic and financial value
• Lead cross-functional deal due diligence with a focus on identifying mitigating and/or capturing risks and opportunities
• Partner with senior leaders to tackle complex strategic questions and distill findings to build clear and succinct business cases to facilitate decision-making by executive leadership and the Board of Directors
• Partner with key internal and external resources to monitor industry trends key competitors and emerging technologies

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7 years of relevant experience in Corporate Development Corporate Strategy Investment Banking Private Equity or Management Consulting
• Aerospace startup or tech industry experience.
• Demonstrated track record of managing complex projects with multiple workstreams internal/external stakeholders and tight schedules
• Demonstrated research and analytical skills with a strong ability to distill complex problems variables and data into clear insights and recommendations
• Experience challenging assumptions and influencing decision-making processes
• Experience building collaborative partnerships with general management and cross-functional leaders

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree or other advanced degree
• 3 years of Corporate Development experience inside a company
• Experience leading and/or participating in a variety of complex negotiations deal structures and underlying deal workstreams
• Strong attention-to-detail with a focus on proactivity and efficiency
• A self-starter with the ability to work autonomously to drive projects to completion
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit use hands and fingers operate computer keyboard and controls and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust fumes and moderate levels of noise.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats not an easy task. It takes hard work determination relentless innovation teamwork grit and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each others backs checking our egos at the door and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure work to tight deadlines and our focus is always on how we can deliver rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder) or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia Japan New Zealand Switzerland the European Union or a country that is part of NATO or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations click hereITAR Regulations.