Head of Corporate Development

About NextStep

NextStep connects top consulting talent with high-potential opportunities through smart, AI-powered matching. We partner with ambitious companies across sectors to place experienced professionals in roles where they can have a real impact. On behalf of a client in our partner network, we are currently looking for a Head of Corporate Development to join their team.

About the Company

Our client is a high-growth healthtech business headquartered in London, providing clinical decision support and patient management software to NHS and private healthcare providers. Series D backed with £130m raised, they are on a clear path toward IPO and are building out corporate development capability to support both organic growth and an active acquisition strategy targeting complementary clinical software businesses. The leadership team has deep healthcare and technology expertise, along with strong backgrounds in investment banking and consulting.

The Role

As Head of Corporate Development, you will build and lead the company's M&A and strategic partnership activity from scratch. Reporting to the CFO and working closely with the CEO, you will own the full deal lifecycle, from strategy and origination to execution and integration, and will be a key voice at the leadership table on all inorganic growth decisions.

What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain the M&A strategy, including target market mapping, acquisition criteria, and portfolio prioritisation.

• Lead deal origination, including building relationships with potential targets, advisors, and sector specialists.

• Manage end-to-end deal execution, including financial modelling, due diligence coordination, and negotiation support.

• Oversee post-acquisition integration planning and track value realisation against deal case assumptions.

• Lead strategic partnership processes, including commercial structuring and long-term relationship management.

What We're Looking For

• 8–12 years of experience across investment banking, private equity, corporate development, or a senior M&A advisory role.

• Proven track record of leading acquisitions from origination to close, ideally in healthcare, technology, or software.

• Strong financial modelling skills and a deep understanding of deal structuring and valuation.

• Excellent relationship builder, comfortable managing senior advisors, founders, and board-level stakeholders.

• Experience preparing a business for IPO or a significant liquidity event is a strong advantage.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary of £130,000 – £165,000, depending on experience.

• Significant performance bonus and pre-IPO equity package.

• Private health cover, enhanced pension, and flexible working from London.

• The role has a direct path to a C-suite or Board position post-IPO.

How to Apply

To be considered for this role, please create your profile at getnextstep.com. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the role criteria and match you with the company if it's a strong fit. No cover letter required.

This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.

Compensation Range: £130K - £165K