The ATS Life Sciences Group of ATS is a ~$1.5bn business comprised of six distinct operating companies with operations across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, China, Japan, and the Czech Republic. The Life Sciences Group delivers unique value to customers in the medical device, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, academic and government end markets, by providing a complete range of systems, equipment and after sales services that support their needs from basic research and development through to manufacturing and patient delivery.
Location: Greater Toronto Area (Toronto or Cambridge), Ontario
Reports to: Director, Strategy and M&A, Life Sciences Group
About the Role
The Manager, Strategy and M&A plays a critical role in shaping the long term growth of the ATS Life Sciences Group, operating at the intersection of enterprise strategy and M&A execution. This role is ideal for an experienced, energetic, data-driven, agile, and forward thinking leader who thrives in high stakes environments and has an ability to indirectly lead and manage cross-functional teams through complex projects and processes, and drive toward outcomes that align the interests of all stakeholders.
This position supports both organic and inorganic growth initiatives, including market and competitive analysis, strategic planning, portfolio strategy, and the full lifecycle of acquisition mandates. Success requires strong stakeholder leadership, structured project management, and the ability to drive outcomes through influence rather than authority.
Benefits:
- Compensation: $120,000 to $140,000 CAD per year
- Annual Performance-Based Incentive Bonus
- 5% RRSP match
- Stock purchase plan
- Competitive vacation
- Benefits package (health and dental) + $600 health spending account
- Continuous learning and career growth with global mobility opportunities.
- A chance to contribute to something bigger - advancing the future of healthcare through automation.
Core Contributions and Growth Opportunities:
- Unique blend of strategy and M&A: combine front end strategy work with hands on deal execution in a single role, with development opportunities across both areas
- Enterprise exposure: working directly with senior Life Sciences leaders, executive leadership, and the Corporate Development team on high visibility initiatives
- Growth oriented environment: ATS is an active acquirer with a strong track record of capital deployment, particularly within the Life Sciences industry
- Attractive end markets: Life Sciences offers resilient, high growth markets with strong barriers to entry and long term strategic relevance
- Broad strategic impact: influence not only acquisitions, but also portfolio strategy, competitive positioning, and long term differentiation across the Group
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Market Leadership
- Lead market, competitive, and peer benchmarking analysis to identify strategic growth opportunities and risks
- Contribute to the development and evolution of the Life Sciences Group strategic plan
- Partner with business leaders to support the strategic planning and deployment process across the Life Sciences Group
- Conduct ongoing portfolio level analysis that informs Life Sciences capital allocation and investment priorities
Mergers & Acquisitions
- Support the full M&A lifecycle, including opportunity identification, target prioritization, engagement preparation, due diligence, and transaction execution
- Coordinate cross functional due diligence teams, bringing structure, rigor, and clarity to complex workstreams
- Prepare executive ready analysis, recommendations, and decision materials for senior stakeholders
- Work closely with the Corporate Development team to execute transactions collaboratively and effectively
Stakeholder & Project Leadership
- Lead group level strategic initiatives, working alongside diverse, cross-functional teams
- Engage regularly with VP and executive level leaders across Life Sciences and corporate functions
- Apply disciplined project management fundamentals and process rigor to successfully execute high impact initiatives
- Contribute to the development and ongoing improvement of strategy and M&A framework, toolkits, and playbooks leveraged across the Group
Qualifications & Experience Needed
- Strong experience in either strategy consulting / strategic planning, or M&A / corporate development / transaction advisory
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross functional initiatives through indirect influence and structured thinking
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and building clarity where structure does not yet exist
- Strong analytical skills paired with clear, executive level communication
- Curiosity and motivation to develop across both strategy and M&A
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commerce, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CFA considered an asset
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in strategy consulting, transaction advisory, or an in house strategy / corporate development role
- Proven ability to deliver structured analysis and presentations to senior leaders
- Strong project management discipline and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast paced, growth oriented environment
If you're excited about this role, but do not meet all the qualifications listed above, you are still encouraged to apply
Why YOU should join our ATS Life Sciences Group:
We value our PEOPLE - The foundation of a great company is having the best team which is why we continuously work to develop, engage, empower and energize our people. The best people want to work with the best team - the best teams are diverse and inclusive teams.
What we do MATTERS - our Life Sciences projects contribute to improving the lives of people around the world! ATS has made a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030!
INNOVATION and PROBLEM SOLVING is at our core - Our pursuit of continuous improvement in everything we do. Our focus is on building diverse teams, stimulating innovation by challenging conventional thinking, encouraging fresh ideas and promoting creative problem-solving
We prioritize internal GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT - ATS offers endless opportunities for professional growth and development – with a tuition reimbursement program, individual development programs and a commitment to promoting from within - there is space for you to grow your career at ATS!
We offer COMPETITIVE Total Rewards - Competitive starting salaries, overtime pay eligibility, paid vacation, Employee Incentive Bonus program, comprehensive health and dental benefits including Lifestyle Spending Account, 5% RRSP matching program and optional Employee Share Purchase Program
The Compensation offered will be based on the local job market and may vary depending on factors such as the job-related knowledge, skills, experience of the selected candidate, as well as other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of these benefit plans will be provided when the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment.
A place to BELONG: We celebrate our uniqueness and ensure that all employees have equal opportunities for growth and development. We believe that unique experiences are essential for our success and innovation.
This role represents an existing vacancy within the organization.
ATS is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA), 2005 and will, upon request, assist those who may require specific accommodations due to a personal disability. We would ask that those who require assistance to notify our offices as soon as possible if accommodation is necessary.
The ATS applicant tracking system may utilize AI software with pre‑defined, rule‑based filters to organize and manage application materials. Rule‑based filters operate solely on fixed criteria and do not perform autonomous evaluation or generate independent recommendations. All hiring decisions continue to involve human review and judgment.
