Director of M&A + Corporate Initiatives

The Director of M&A + Corporate Initiatives will be responsible for architecting and executing the company’s growth strategy through two primary levels: M&A & management of Corporate Initiatives. This role will be focused on driving inorganic growth through supporting the M&A function & supporting organic growth through management of large corporate initiatives. This role will also work closely with the Head of Corporate Strategy and other executives on the Senior Leadership Team to achieve large corporation-wide goals. This individual will also play a large role in the creation of the Optimal Blue Portfolio Company (OBPC) and diversifying OBPC out of mortgage. Key Responsibilities The role’s accountability will be centered around two core pillars: 1. Accelerate Inorganic Growth Through Acquisitions (75%) A. M&A Strategy & Execution – Help deepen the Optimal Blue M&A function Lead research and analysis into both the current mortgage technology market and adjacent/new verticals, identifying and evaluating acquisition opportunities Create and maintain vertical specific market maps for each vertical where we are pursuing acquisitions Manage the M&A cycle, from developing the M&A thesis and sourcing the pipeline, to organizing and managing diligence and negotiating deals, in partnership with OBPC+ CSI leadership Organize internal leadership reviews and manage deliverables during initial diligence and post-LOI diligence Representing the company at industry conferences and events to increase brand presence, evangelize our vision and cultivate a pipeline of M&A and strategic partnership opportunities B. Integration of Best Practices - As capital is deployed, you will develop internal OBCP M&A execution team & OBCP best practices for M&A in conjunction with CSI best practices Lead integration of acquired companies into CSI + OBPC depending on if the company is standalone, tucked in, or a new vertical Partner with cross functional teams to develop Value Creation Playbook aligned with CSI methodologies and oversee post-merger integration If stand-alone, work closely with OBCP leadership to ensure the OBCP & CSI best practices and corporate culture is adopted and part of the core operating processes 2. Strategic Initiative Management (25%) Optimal Blue will utilize the CSI “Initiative” framework when making major non-acquisition investments. This framework will require a formal business plan, with expected financial returns, a project plan with key delivery dates and milestones, and formal business updates to the SLT team. These initiatives will primarily include investments in the following areas: Turnaround & Transformation – Partner with senior leadership on critical, cross-functional transformation projects, such as new customer facing initiatives, new product category rollouts, and other significant initiatives. Operational Excellence – Partner with senior leadership to drive strategic improvements across the business (i.e., internal use of AI, Salesforce utilization and upgrades, & Snowflake implementation and usage). New Revenue Streams – Partner with Head of Corporate Strategy & other executives on strategic initiatives to create new sources of revenue with varying levels of investment. The leader of strategic initiatives will meet with internal executive sponsors, help create the initial business plan, with clear financial goals, assist in establishing the project timeline and deliverables, work closely with the executive sponsor in managing the project, and provide ongoing reports and updates, both to the SLT on a periodic basis and within our quarterly meetings with our parent company. FLSA Designation (US Only): Exempt Salary Range: The estimated base salary range for this role is USD$112,500.00 - USD$137,500.00 per year. We include salary ranges in job postings only where required by applicable pay transparency laws, based on the jurisdictions in which the role may be performed. The posted range is a good faith estimate and reflects factors that are subject to change. Final offer amounts may vary based on job-related factors, including work location, candidate experience and expertise, and other relevant considerations. Other Compensation (US Only): This role will also be eligible for participation in a Company profit sharing bonus plan. Plan details will be provided to you upon hire. Benefits (US Only): Full time employees will also be eligible for enrollment in a wide range of choices of benefits , including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, short/long term disability, 401(k) participation (with company match). Time off (US Only): The Company provides a minimum of 10 days of vacation for new employees , sick time based on state requirements, 8 Company-paid holidays and 2 personal holidays per year. We recognize the value and importance of diversity and inclusion in our communities and in the workplace. We celebrate diversity and one of our goals as an employer is to create an inclusive work environment for all employees. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other category or characteristic protected by law. Applicants with disabilities who would like to require a reasonable accommodation related to any part of the application process may contact us at [email protected]. NOTE: If an applicant is selected to receive a conditional offer of employment, and in accordance with applicable law, a criminal background check may be conducted before the offer becomes final and employment begins. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and other applicable laws, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. #OB