Corporate Development Deal Lead - job 1 of 2

Organizations everywhere struggle under the crushing costs and complexities of “solutions” that promise to simplify their lives. To create a better experience for their customers and employees. To help them grow. Software is a choice that can make or break a business. Create better or worse experiences. Propel or throttle growth. Business software has become a blocker instead of ways to get work done. 

There’s another option. Freshworks. With a fresh vision for how the world works.

At Freshworks, we build uncomplicated service software that delivers exceptional customer and employee experiences. Our enterprise-grade solutions are powerful, yet easy to use, and quick to deliver results. Our people-first approach to AI eliminates friction, making employees more effective and organizations more productive. Over 72,000 companies, including Bridgestone, New Balance, Nucor, S&P Global, and Sony Music, trust Freshworks’ customer experience (CX) and employee experience (EX) software to fuel customer loyalty and service efficiency. And, over 4,500 Freshworks employees make this possible, all around the world. 

Fresh vision. Real impact. Come build it with us.

We are seeking a strategic, analytical, and execution-focused Corporate Development Deal Lead to drive our inorganic growth strategy. This high-impact role will be responsible for sourcing, evaluating, negotiating, and executing acquisitions and strategic partnerships. This role will be instrumental in contributing to Freshworks' strategic imperatives by identifying and pursuing acquisitions and partnerships that enhance the company's AI capabilities, expand its EX and CX product offerings, and improve operational efficiency. 

Please note: This is a hybrid role that will be based in San Mateo, CA or Bellevue, WA and requires an in-office presence three days per week (Tuesday - Thursday). 

The ideal candidate:

• Has a strong SaaS-native background
  You’ve either worked in a high-growth B2B SaaS company or advised/assessed them deeply in corporate development, private equity, investment banking and/or product management roles. You understand software KPIs and how they impact deal thesis and model.

• Is a full-stack dealmaker
  You’ve led deals end-to-end — from sourcing and evaluating targets, to building the business case and deal model, driving due diligence, negotiating terms, and managing post-close handoff to integration teams.

• Can build conviction fast
  You’re analytical and resourceful — able to form clear investment theses, quickly identify risks and synergies, and communicate findings succinctly to executive leadership and the board.

• Has a bias for action and ownership
  Proactive self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple projects and deliverables simultaneously

• Understands how deals create long-term value
  You’re not just a deal executor — you think beyond close and consider integration, culture fit, customer impact, and long-term ROI from day one.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the end-to-end transaction process from idea to business case to deal execution and integration.

• Identify and qualify new ideas and potential targets for Freshworks from internal and external sources.

• Coordinate a cross-functional deal team within Freshworks and serve as a point of contact to target company management and advisors.

• Perform extensive financial modeling and valuation analyses

• Prepare presentations which will be reviewed with our executives and deal committees on a regular basis.

• Assist in refining playbooks that incorporate prior experiences and industry best practices across all key work streams.

• Create, track and maintain a pipeline of transactions across the businesses

• Identify and evaluate potential synergies and risks associated with each transaction.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field.

• 7+ years of experience in corporate development, private equity, venture capital or product management in Technology/SaaS preferred

• Proven track record of leading and executing M&A transactions and strategic investments.

• Strong financial modeling and valuation skills.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Strong attention to detail and highly accountable with demonstrated ability to follow through.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with senior management and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in the SaaS industry, with a focus on IT solutions

• Product-minded. Strong product intuition and ability to engage with product & engineering leaders on product strategy.

• Strong understanding of Freshworks' products and business model

Please note: This is a hybrid role that will be based in San Mateo, CA or Bellevue, WA and requires an in-office presence three days per week (Tuesday - Thursday). 

This role is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and the expected base salary range for this position is as shown below. The actual base pay is dependent upon a variety of job-related factors such as professional background, training, work experience, business needs and market demand. Therefore, in some circumstances, the actual salary could fall outside of this expected range. This pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role is also eligible for a target bonus.

Compensation Package

$189,900-$273,010 USD Base Salary 

Freshworks offers multiple options for dental, medical, vision, disability and life insurances. Equity + ESPP, flexible PTO, flexible spending, commuter benefits and wellness benefits are also offered. Freshworks also offers adoption and parental leave benefits.

At Freshworks, we have fostered an environment that enables everyone to find their true potential, purpose, and passion, welcoming colleagues of all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and ethnicities. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and believe that diversity in the workplace creates a more vibrant, richer environment that boosts the goals of our employees, communities, and business. Fresh vision. Real impact. Come build it with us.