Job Title: Senior Manager, Strategy & Corporate Development
Location: Chicago, IL
Reports to: Head of Strategy & Corporate Development
About James Hardie
James Hardie is the world leader in fiber cement home siding and exterior design solutions. Now, with the integration of iconic brands like AZEK and TimberTech, we are entering a transformative new chapter — one that brings together the best in innovation, sustainability, and design across the building products industry.
About the Team
We are building a first-of-its-kind Strategy & Corporate Development organization — combining Strategy, Strategic Planning, M&A, and Global Transformation under one roof. Our mission: to drive growth and long-term value creation through world-class strategic execution.
This newly formed team sits at the center of James Hardie’s transformation and will shape the future of the combined company. We work cross-functionally with business leaders, executive stakeholders, and external partners to identify opportunities, solve complex problems, and accelerate impact.
The Role
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Manager, Strategy & Corporate Development to join our growing team. This individual will play a critical role in defining and executing high-impact strategic initiatives, driving inorganic growth through M&A, and advancing key transformation priorities across the enterprise.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and hands-on operator; someone who can move seamlessly between analysis, execution, and executive engagement. This is a highly visible role with significant exposure to senior leadership and an opportunity to help shape the future direction of the company.
Key Responsibilities
- Enterprise Strategy & Planning: Partner with senior business leaders to define strategic priorities, evaluate growth opportunities, and translate insights into actionable plans.
- M&A & Corporate Development: Lead or co-lead M&A transactions from target identification and due diligence through deal execution and integration planning. Support the development of investment theses and valuation models to inform decision-making.
- Transformation Leadership: Drive cross-functional transformation initiatives focused on performance improvement, organizational efficiency, and value creation.
- Executive & Board Communication: Develop and deliver high-quality presentations, strategic recommendations, and business cases for executive and board-level audiences.
- Market & Competitive Intelligence: Monitor the competitive landscape, identify market trends and disruptors, and synthesize insights to inform corporate strategy.
- Team Collaboration & Development: Contribute to the growth of a high-performing, collaborative team culture. Provide mentorship and guidance to Strategy & Corporate Development Managers and Analysts.
Qualifications
- 8–12+ years of experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, investment banking, private equity, or a fast-paced corporate environment.
- Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives with measurable business impact.
- Strong M&A experience, including financial analysis, due diligence, and integration planning.
- Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent executive communication and presentation capabilities.
- Collaborative, humble, and entrepreneurial mindset.
- Prior building materials, manufacturing, or industrials experience is a plus, but not required.
What We Offer
- A chance to help build and shape a newly formed, high-impact function at one of the most dynamic companies in the building products space.
- Career path optionality across strategy, operations, M&A, and transformation.
- Significant exposure to senior executives, including regular interactions with the CEO, CFO, and other members of the leadership team.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package.
- A mission-driven culture grounded in sustainability, innovation, and purpose.
