Director, M&A Integration - Palo Alto - Upwork

Description

Overview

Upwork's Corporate Strategy & Development team drives high-impact initiatives that shape the future of the world's work marketplace. As we continue expanding our Enterprise solutions, AI capabilities, and global marketplace, inorganic growth remains an important lever for accelerating our strategy. The team partners closely with senior leaders across Product, Engineering, GTM, Trust & Safety, Finance, and People to identify, evaluate, and integrate acquisitions that advance Upwork's long‑term vision.

We are seeking a Director of M&A Integration — an experienced and strategic individual contributor who will own the strategy, planning, implementation and execution of integration efforts across Upwork's acquisition portfolio. This leader will join the Strategy, Corporate Development and Partnerships organization and bring strong cross‑functional influence, integration expertise, and operational rigor to ensure newly acquired teams, technologies, products and businesses are set up for long‑term success.

Responsibilities

Lead End‑to‑End M&A Integration

• Define and drive integration strategy, workstreams and timelines across all phases: pre‑sign diligence, signing‑to‑close planning, and post‑close execution to align with strategic and financial objectives.
• Lead integration planning and project management with clear milestones, resource needs and timelines to facilitate efficient decision‑making, manage risks and interdependencies and drive value creation and capture.
• Drive cross‑functional implementation and execution from Day 1 readiness through product, technology, operational, and go‑to‑market integration.
• Anticipate, identify and resolve integration obstacles, surface risks early, consider dependencies, and drive escalations in partnership with functional leaders.
• Establish and track integration KPIs, value realization metrics, and post‑deal scorecards and deliver high‑quality, executive‑ready communication to maintain alignment, highlight progress, and advance issues as needed.
• Ensure acquired teams are set up for success – supporting onboarding, team structure, cultural alignment, and retention of key talent.

Strategic Partnership & Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Serve as a core member of the deal team, contributing integration insights to target evaluation, diligence, and deal structuring.
• Partner closely with Product, Engineering, GTM, Trust & Safety, Finance, and People to align executives on integration scope, operating model, and decision‑making.
• Provide integration thought leadership, best practices, and advisory support across the business.
• Lead customer, marketplace, and competitive insights workstreams to inform acquisition strategy.
• Guide virtual cross‑functional teams and onboard newly acquired employees in a complex, matrixed environment.

Capability Building & Performance Excellence

• Enhance Upwork's M&A integration playbooks, tools, processes, and best practices.
• Conduct post‑mortems and integrate learnings into future deals.
• Prepare integration updates and insights for senior executives and the Board of Directors.
• Support broader Corporate Strategy initiatives outside of M&A as needed.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of M&A integration, consulting, or operational leadership experience, with a minimum of 5+ years directly leading M&A integrations end‑to‑end.
• Strong track record integrating teams, technology, and operational processes within technology or marketplace/SaaS environments.
• Ability to operate as a high‑impact individual contributor driving complex, global integration efforts.
• Excellent cross‑functional influence skills and executive presence.
• Exceptional program management, analytical skills, and attention to detail.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including executive‑level reporting.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace; Smartsheet experience a plus.
• MBA or equivalent experience preferred.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Come change how the world works.

At Upwork, you'll shape the future of work for a global, remote‑first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full‑time employees in 34 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.

Our culture is built on trust, risk‑taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.

We're proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.

Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page to learn more about opportunities at Upwork.

Upwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

Please note that a criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.

Annual Base Compensation

$181,750 – $326,000 USD