Senior Director - Corporate Development

Company Description

Freshworks makes it fast and easy for businesses to delight their customers and employees. We do this by taking a fresh approach to building and delivering software that is affordable, quick to implement, and designed for the end user. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Freshworks has a global team operating from 13 global locations to serve more than 65,000 companies -- from startups to public companies – that rely on Freshworks software-as-a-service to enable a better customer experience (CRM, CX) and employee experience (ITSM). 

Freshworks’ cloud-based software suite includes Freshdesk (omni-channel customer support), Freshsales (sales automation), Freshmarketer (marketing automation), Freshservice (IT service desk), Freshchat (AI-powered bots), supported by Neo, our underlying platform of shared services.

Freshworks is featured in global national press including CNBC, Forbes, Fortune, Bloomberg and has been a BuiltIn Best Place to work in San Francisco and Denver for the last 3 years. Our customer ratings have earned Freshworks products TrustRadius Top Rated Software ratings and G2 Best of Awards for Best Feature Set, Best Value for the Price and Best Relationship.

Job Description

The Senior Director of Corporate Development will play a critical role in shaping and executing Freshworks' growth strategy. This individual will lead the evaluation, execution, and integration of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and strategic investments. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the SaaS landscape, experience leading complex transactions, and a proven track record of creating value through inorganic growth initiatives. This role will be instrumental in contributing to Freshworks' strategic imperatives by identifying and pursuing acquisitions and partnerships that enhance the company's AI capabilities, expand its EX and CX product offerings, and improve operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a deep understanding of the SaaS landscape and conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, adjacent markets, and potential disruptions.
• Collaborate with senior management to define strategic priorities and align corporate development activities with overall business goals.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of potential transactions, identifying and evaluating potential M&A targets, strategic investments, and partnership opportunities.
• Conduct thorough due diligence on potential targets, including financial analysis, product evaluation, and customer assessment.
• Identify and evaluate potential synergies and risks associated with each transaction.
• Oversee all aspects of the M&A process, from initial screening and due diligence to negotiation, closing, and integration.
• Structure and negotiate deal terms, including valuation, financing, and legal agreements.
• Manage the transaction process efficiently and effectively, ensuring timely completion and compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Lead cross-functional teams to conduct comprehensive due diligence on potential targets.
• Coordinate with internal and external advisors, including legal, financial, and tax experts.
• Identify and assess potential risks and opportunities associated with each transaction.
• Develop and implement integration plans to ensure the successful assimilation of acquired companies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve synergy targets and realize the full value of acquisitions.
• Oversee the integration of acquired companies' products, technologies, and operations into Freshworks' existing infrastructure.
• Attend industry conferences and events to network with potential partners and investors.
• Keep up-to-date on the latest corporate development best practices and methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, or a related field.
• Proven track record of leading and executing M&A transactions and strategic investments.
• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with senior management and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• MBA or other advanced degree.
• Experience in the SaaS industry, with a focus on IT solutions.
• Experience working with high-growth technology companies.
• Strong understanding of Freshworks' products and business model.

Additional Information

The annual base salary range for this position is $274,720 to $323,200 USD. 

Compensation is based on a variety of factors including but not limited to location, experience, job-related skills, and level. Bonus/equity may be available.

Freshworks offers multiple options for dental, medical, vision, disability and life insurances. Equity + ESPP, flexible PTO, flexible spending, commuter benefits and wellness benefits are also offered. Freshworks also offers adoption and parental leave benefits.

At Freshworks, we are creating a global workplace that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose, and passion irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer work environment that advances the goals of our employees, communities and the business.