Corporate Strategy Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Paylocity is an award-winning provider of cloud-based HR and payroll software solutions, offering the most complete platform for the modern workforce. The company has become one of the fastest-growing HCM software providers worldwide by offering an intuitive, easy-to-use product suite that helps businesses automate and streamline HR and payroll processes, attract and retain talent, and build a strong workplace culture.

While traditional HR and payroll providers automate basic HR processes such as payroll and benefits administration, Paylocity goes further by developing tools that HR and businesses need to compete for talent and deliver against the expectations of the modern workforce.

We give our employees what they need to succeed, including great benefits and perks! We offer medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and a 401(k) match, as well as perks that support you, your family, and your finances. And if it’s career development you desire, we provide that, too! At Paylocity, people matter most and have always been at the heart of our business.

When you feel like you belong, work is no longer work – it's personal. At Paylocity, we believe better employees lead to better companies. Workplaces and cultures that care will build the future, and at Paylocity, we’re doing just that. Join us as we change the future and transform your career!

There are jobs and then there are careers. Since 1997, Paylocity has been hiring talented people, giving them big challenges, and providing the right resources to help them succeed. Our award-winning culture ensures all employees feel truly welcome, appreciated, and free to be themselves. While other companies talk about it, we make it happen. Join Paylocity and launch your career!

Position Overview

The Director of Corporate Strategy & Development will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving the strategic direction of our organization. In collaboration with the executive team, this leader will spearhead the evaluation and execution of strategic growth opportunities, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic partnerships, product investments, and market expansion strategies. This position will work closely with our senior leadership team and engage directly with the C-suite.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the VP of Corporate Strategy & Development to drive alignment across the executive team on the company’s long-term vision, growth objectives, and business strategies.
• Lead the cross-functional execution of strategic initiatives that support growth, such as product investments, M&A, and partnerships.
• Continuously analyze market trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging technologies to identify strategic opportunities and mitigate potential risks.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to refine our M&A evaluation framework, prioritize strategic categories, and identify target opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of M&A targets and strategic partners that align with the company’s growth objectives.
• Lead all phases of the M&A process, from pre-deal evaluation and go-to-market strategy to due diligence, integration planning, and post-close execution.
• Provide leadership in capital markets execution, collaborating with cross-functional teams across accounting, finance, and treasury.
• Deliver strategic insights and recommendations directly to the CEO and executive team, driving informed decision-making.

Education / Experience

• A bachelor's degree is required; an MBA is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in investment banking, corporate development, corporate strategy, or corporate finance, with a preference for experience in the software sector.
• At least 2 years of experience at a top-tier investment bank, with significant experience in M&A execution and corporate financing.
• A proven track record of successfully leading multiple M&A transactions and delivering successful outcomes.

Required Skills

• Strong, results-driven mindset with a passion for achieving strategic goals.
• A self-starter with the ability to think independently and work both strategically and at a granular level.
• Exceptional work ethic with the ability to manage multiple, complex initiatives in a fast-paced environment and consistently deliver results in a structured and organized manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to the C-suite and executive leadership.
• Strong quantitative skills, including extensive experience with financial modeling and a deep understanding of financial markets.
• In-depth knowledge of the software industry, with strong business and technical acumen, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to quickly grasp complex technical and financial concepts.

Physical requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods: The role requires sitting at a desk or workstation for long periods, typically 7-8 hours a day.
• Use of computer and phone systems: The employee must be able to operate a computer, use phone systems, and type. This includes using multiple software programs and inquiries simultaneously.

Paylocity is an equal-opportunity employer. Paylocity is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. At Paylocity, we believe diversity makes us better.

We embrace and encourage our employees’ differences in age, culture, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. We actively cultivate these differences through our employee resource groups (ERGs), employee experiences, perspectives, talents, and approaches to drive innovation in the software and services we provide our customers.

We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the job application or interview process, please contact accessibility@paylocity.com. This email address is exclusively designated for such requests, aligning with federal and state disability laws. Please do not send resumes to this email address, as they will be removed.

This role can be performed from any office in the US. The pay range for this position is $200,000 - $240,000 /yr; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This position is eligible for an annual bonus and restricted stock unit grant based on individual performance in addition to a full range of benefits outlined here. This information is provided per the relevant state and local pay transparency laws for the location in which this position will be performed. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via www.paylocity.com/careers.

Your personal data will be processed for recruitment purposes in accordance with our Notice of Privacy Practices for Job Applicants and applicable data protection laws

#LI-Remote