Director, Strategy & Corporate Development
Chicago, IL, US, 60601
About James Hardie
James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.
With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.
Summary
We’re building a unique Strategy & Corporate Development organization that brings together Strategy, Strategic Planning, M&A, and Global Transformation under one roof. Our mission is to drive growth and long-term value through world-class strategic execution. This newly formed team is central to James Hardie’s transformation, partnering with senior leaders and external stakeholders to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges, and accelerate impact.
We’re hiring a Director to lead high-impact strategic initiatives, drive inorganic growth through M&A, and support key transformation priorities. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, embraces ambiguity, and is excited to help build something new.
What You’ll Do:
- Enterprise Strategy Leadership: Define, prioritize, and execute enterprise-wide strategic initiatives in partnership with senior business leaders and the executive team.
- M&A & Corporate Development: Lead end-to-end M&A processes, including target identification, evaluation, due diligence, deal execution, and integration planning.
- Transformation Leadership: Drive cross-functional transformation programs, performance improvement, and large-scale change management across the global organization.
- Executive & Board Communication: Develop and deliver board-level presentations, investment theses, and strategic recommendations to inform decision-making.
- Market & Competitive Intelligence: Anticipate disruption by monitoring the competitive landscape, emerging trends, and adjacent growth opportunities.
- Team Leadership & Development: Mentor and develop high-performing talent within the Strategy & Corporate Development team.
What You’ll Bring:
- 10–15+ years of experience in management consulting, corporate strategy, investment banking, private equity, or a high-growth corporate environment.
- Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and delivering measurable business impact.
- Strong M&A experience, including due diligence and integration.
- Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and financial modeling skills.
- Outstanding executive presence, with the ability to influence and communicate effectively at the C-suite and board level.
- Collaborative, entrepreneurial, and resilient mindset.
- Prior building materials, manufacturing, or industrials experience is a plus, but not required.
What You’ll Receive:
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $180,000.00 to $225,000.00. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits, and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.
- Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
- Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
- Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
- Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
- Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
- Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
- Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie
- More: Click here to learn more about our benefits
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Build a Better Future for All - Apply now!
James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits,
including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces
Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago
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Investment Banking, Financial, Strategic Planning, Private Equity, Management Consulting, Finance, Strategy, Management