The Program Director for M&A Strategy & Integration is responsible for driving the execution of merger and acquisition (M&A) activities within the organization, ensuring the seamless integration of new acquisitions. This role will lead cross-functional teams and guide them through all stages of the M&A process, from pre-deal due diligence to post-acquisition integration, with a focus on driving deal closure and successful integration outcomes. The Program Director will work closely with senior leadership and other departments to ensure that M&A initiatives align with the company’s strategic goals, while managing risks and ensuring timelines are met.

Key Responsibilities:

• M&A Execution & Integration:
• Drive the execution of M&A transactions from due diligence to post-merger integration, working with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and successful completion of deals.
• Manage the integration process of newly acquired companies, ensuring alignment with business objectives, operational goals, and culture.
• Collaborate with key internal stakeholders (Legal, Finance, HR, Technology, Operations) to ensure all activities are aligned and executed smoothly.
• Cross-functional Team Coordination:
• Lead and motivate matrixed, cross-functional teams to drive initiatives forward, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability at each stage of the transaction.
• Facilitate the smooth transition of new acquisitions into the organization, overseeing integration efforts and ensuring key milestones are achieved.
• Work closely with internal teams to manage integration plans, resources, and timelines, driving efficient execution and resolution of any obstacles.
• M&A Program Management:
• Ensure M&A projects are progressing according to established timelines, budgets, and scope, addressing any deviations or issues that arise.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, ensuring that all M&A milestones are clearly defined, tracked, and communicated to stakeholders.
• Proactively identify risks to successful deal closure and integration, driving corrective actions to mitigate those risks.
• Stakeholder Communication:
• Regularly update senior leadership, key stakeholders, and C-suite executives on the status of M&A initiatives, highlighting risks, challenges, and key accomplishments.
• Ensure clear and transparent communication with all parties involved in the M&A process to maintain alignment and manage expectations.
• M&A Travel:
• Travel as necessary to engage with external parties, manage due diligence activities, and oversee integration efforts across various locations.
• Support the on-the-ground activities necessary to close deals and facilitate smooth transitions during integration.
• M&A Risk & Issue Management:
• Proactively identify and manage risks, dependencies, and issues that could impact the success of M&A activities.
• Drive the resolution of obstacles, facilitating communication between teams to ensure that M&A projects stay on track.
• Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization:
• Utilize Quest Management System (QMS) tools and methodologies to enhance process efficiency, drive continuous improvement, and ensure best practices are followed.
• Apply QMS principles to optimize execution, ensuring the organization maximizes the value of acquisitions and integrations.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven track record of driving cross-functional teams to successfully execute complex projects.
• Strong understanding of M&A processes, financial modeling, and legal requirements.
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to identify risks, drive mitigation strategies, and overcome obstacles in the process.
• Willingness to travel for M&A-related activities, including due diligence and integration efforts.
• Bachelor's degree is required

Knowledge:  

• Demonstrated experience leading large and complex projects from initiation to completion (10+ years) 
• Demonstrated experience using structured problem-solving skills: uses a systematic, disciplined and data-driven approach that identifies the root causes of various issues and designs solutions to resolve them 
• Demonstrated understanding of continuous improvement, process management, or system thinking 
• Demonstrated experience in core continuous improvement tools and advanced tools 
• Proven track record in facilitating discussions or workshops  
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong relationships with others 
• Demonstrated experience leading changes 
• Demonstrated ability to influence business leaders 
• Advanced data analysis skills 
• Skilled in statistical analysis 
• Demonstrated experience with process management 
• Basic knowledge of VOC tools & some DFSS tools 
• General knowledge of Hoshin and breakthrough planning 

Required Certifications:

• Formal training in project management or continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Total Quality Management, Lean, Theory of Constraints)
• QMS Continuous Improvement Certification (internally provided - completed within 18 months of entering into the role)
• QMS Diamond Level Core Practitioner Training (internally provided - completed within 18 months of entering into the role) 
• QMS Project Management Certification (internally provided - completed within 18 months of entering into the role) 

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.