Head of Corporate Development

Job description

Introduction

Backed by leading ship operators and some of the largest ship owners in the world, Circle Digital Ventures (CircleDV) is a fast-growing maritime tech company reshaping the future of seafarer lives.

Our ecosystem spans safety wearables, wellness solutions, and fintech services—all purpose-built for seafarers.

OBJECTIVES

As Head of Corporate Development at Circle Digital Ventures, you will play a key leadership role in driving strategic growth initiatives across the group.

You will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing investment, M&A, fundraising, and partnership opportunities that align with our long-term expansion roadmap.

This role requires a senior, strategic, and commercially minded individual who can operate with confidence in high-stakes environments, represent the company externally with shareholders and stakeholders, and build enduring relationships across the ecosystem.

KEY ACTIVITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Strategy & Strategic Growth Execution

• Lead and execute M&A transactions and strategic investments: from deal sourcing and due diligence to negotiation and post-deal integration.
  
  
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership in shaping Circle DV’s corporate growth roadmap.
  
  
• Support strategic growth planning and capital structuring across Circle DV group companies, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
  
  
• Monitor and analyse macroeconomic trends, market activity, and competitive intelligence to identify high-impact growth and exit opportunities.
  
  
• Drive new initiatives that support long-term strategic positioning, market expansion, and operational scalability.
  
  
• Define and lead capital planning across the Circle DV group, aligning timing, goals, and capital structure with business needs.
  
  
• Drive investor engagement and fundraising efforts at the group or operating company level as required.
  
  
• Partner with executive teams to define capital requirements, key success metrics, and timing for external funding.
  
  
• Build familiarity and maintain relationships with relevant capital partners including banks, institutional investors, and strategic allies.
  
  
• Oversee investor readiness, including diligence documentation, financial models, and strategic materials.
  
  
• Develop and update investor decks and narratives to reflect evolving market conditions and business direction.
  
  

Investor Relations & Shareholder Engagement

• Represent Circle DV in key engagements with investors, shareholders, and external stakeholders.
  
  
• Manage ongoing communication and reporting to shareholders, Board members, and financing partners.
  
  
• Prepare high-quality updates, presentations, and briefing materials on performance, strategy, and group milestones.
  
  
• Translate complex business and financial insights into clear narratives for internal and external audiences.
  
  
• Support Circle DV’s positioning and visibility in the broader business and investment ecosystem.
  
  

Strategic Planning

• Advise leadership teams of group companies on strategic priorities, market positioning, and business model evolution.
  
  
• Support annual planning processes, scenario modeling, and performance reviews.
  
  
• Facilitate alignment between group-level strategic goals and operating company execution.
  
  

Capital and Resource Planning

• Collaborate with business heads to define capital needs and optimal resource allocation.
  
  
• Provide structured guidance on preparing for growth investments or future fundraising, if applicable.
  
  
• Help translate strategic goals into clear funding narratives and internal readiness plans.
  
  

Execution Support

• Assist operating companies with investor or partner discussions where needed.
  
  
• Review and refine key collateral such as pitch decks, models, and business cases.
  
  
• Ensure consistency and quality in external-facing materials and communications.
  
  

Turnaround and Special Situations

• Work with company leadership in challenging situations to evaluate strategic alternatives.
  
  
• Support development of recovery or repositioning plans, including internal restructuring, pivots, or divestitures.
  
  
• Coordinate execution of chosen paths, ensuring alignment with group priorities.
  
  
• Build and nurture a strong ecosystem of financial institutions, strategic partners, advisors, and industry experts.
  
  
• Maintain a central database of key stakeholders, touchpoints, and relationship status across the group.
  
  
• Represent Circle DV at industry events, panels, and conferences to enhance visibility and network.
  
  
• Facilitate introductions and relationship-building between operating companies and relevant partners where needed.
  
  

EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field
• MBA, CFA, or equivalent credentials strongly preferred
• Strong foundation in capital planning, M&A, deal structuring, strategic finance and market analysis
• Prior experience in working with senior leadership, Board members, and external investors.
  
  
• Familiarity with shareholder communications and corporate governance frameworks
• Minimum 10+ years in corporate development, strategic finance, or investment roles, with operator-side exposure.
  
  
• Strategic thinker with the ability to assess and guide digital-first, high-growth businesses
• Proven track record in leading M&A, capital raises, and strategic investment processes end-to-end.
  
  Strong financial modelling, market analysis, and investor communications capabilities.
  
  
• Capable of working across multiple projects, geographies, and structures with a hands-on, solutions-driven mindset
• Driven, resourceful, and comfortable operating in fast-paced environments

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Business Development, Strategy/Planning, and Finance

Industries

Financial Services, Software Development, and Investment Management

Required Skill Profession

Management & Operations