About Sonova
Sonova is a global leader in innovative hearing care solutions, from personal audio devices and wireless communication systems to audiological care services, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. Sonova operates through four businesses: Hearing Instruments, Audiological Care, Consumer Hearing, and Cochlear Implants, and through leading brands including Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, Sennheiser (under license), and Advanced Bionics. With sales and distribution channels serving customers in more than 100 countries, Sonova is committed to creating innovative solutions that help people enjoy the delight of hearing.
About the Role
The Sr. Director, Corporate Development & M&A – EMEALA serves as the regional leader for corporate development and inorganic growth initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
This role is responsible for driving the full M&A lifecycle, with a primary focus on:
- Deal Origination (~40%)
- Transaction Execution (~40%)
- Transition Support (~20%)
Acting as a trusted advisor to regional leadership and a key representative of the Corporate Development function, this individual will identify and cultivate acquisition, partnership, and investment opportunities that support Sonova’s long-term growth ambitions. The role leads transactions from initial opportunity assessment through closing, while ensuring alignment between regional priorities and Sonova’s global growth agenda.
Working closely with regional business units, Business Development teams, the global Corporate Development organization, and Senior Management, this individual will play a critical role in accelerating M&A activity, expanding Sonova’s strategic footprint, and creating sustainable value across the region.
Key Responsibilities
Deal Origination
- Identify, originate, and cultivate strategic M&A opportunities through market intelligence, industry networking, and relationship development.
- Build, manage, and continuously strengthen a pipeline of acquisition targets, joint ventures, and strategic partnership opportunities.
- Conduct strategic assessments, market evaluations, and investment screening to assess opportunity attractiveness and fit.
- Develop and maintain relationships with regional business leaders, industry stakeholders, investment banks, and advisors to generate proprietary deal flow.
- Present pipeline developments, market insights, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
- Serve as the regional subject matter expert on market dynamics, competitive developments, industry trends, and M&A activity.
Transaction Execution
- Lead or support end-to-end execution of acquisitions, minority investments, joint ventures, and strategic alliances.
- Develop transaction plans, governance structures, and timelines while coordinating cross-functional deal teams.
- Lead or support valuation analyses, financial modeling, and synergy assessments.
- Develop transaction strategies, pricing approaches, and negotiation frameworks.
- Coordinate and drive due diligence activities across commercial, financial, legal, operational, and strategic workstreams.
- Provide regular updates on transaction progress, risks, and critical decisions to key stakeholders.
- Partner closely with internal legal counsel to negotiate and finalize transaction agreements.
- Manage relationships with investment banks, advisors, industry experts, and target company leadership teams.
Transition Support
- Collaborate with transition leaders to ensure integration planning begins early in the transaction process.
- Support development of transition and value realization plans.
- Facilitate knowledge transfer and provide transaction context to integration teams.
- Monitor integration progress and proactively identify risks, challenges, and opportunities.
- Capture lessons learned and contribute to the continuous improvement of M&A and integration practices.
Candidate Profile
Education
- University degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
- MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
- CPA, CA, CFA, or equivalent professional qualification is advantageous.
Experience
- 10+ years of experience leading and executing M&A and strategic investment activities within multinational organizations, investment banking, private equity, or corporate development environments.
- Proven success sourcing, structuring, negotiating, and closing complex transactions across multiple jurisdictions.
- Strong business development capabilities with an established regional network and demonstrated ability to originate strategic opportunities.
- Experience with venture investments, alternative investment structures, and advanced valuation methodologies.
- Experience within consumer-facing, healthcare, MedTech, life sciences, or service-based sectors is advantageous.
- Track record of success in fast-paced, high-growth, and transformational business environments.
- Prior experience in investment banking, private equity, management consulting, or corporate development is highly valued.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Proven ability to influence and partner effectively with senior executives and stakeholders, including CEO, C-1, and C-2 level leaders.
- Ability to shape regional M&A strategy, drive alignment, and lead complex negotiations.
- Strong relationship-building capabilities across cultures, functions, and geographies.
- Collaborative leadership style with the ability to operate effectively in a lean, high-performing global team.
Technical Skills
- Strong expertise in M&A strategy, valuation, financial modeling, transaction structuring, due diligence, and negotiations.
- Demonstrated ability to assess risks and opportunities and translate strategic objectives into actionable plans.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and AI-enabled business tools.
- Familiarity with SAP BI, Cognos, and Microsoft Dynamics is a plus.
Personal Attributes
- High integrity, credibility, and accountability.
- Strong results orientation and execution focus.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on approach.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and influencing skills.
- Strategic thinker capable of driving sustainable value creation.
- Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable operating in dynamic environments.
- International mindset with experience working across multiple jurisdictions and cultures.
Additional Information
- Location: Munich, Germany.
- Please submit CVs in English.
