As a Director, Financial Services M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) Advisory, you will play a pivotal role in advising clients and executing strategic transactions, with a particular focus on mid-market Wealth and Insurance markets. You will collaborate with a fellow Director, who leads our specialist lending M&A offering, to strengthen our overall Financial Services M&A offering.
You will lead and oversee the full M&A lifecycle from initial analysis and due diligence to deal structuring, negotiation and closing. This role requires a seasoned M&A professional with a deep market knowledge, strong financial acumen, and the ability to build and manage relationships with key stakeholders throughout complex transactions.
Key Accountabilities:
* Collaborate with senior leadership to align M&A activities with overall business strategy.
* Identify and evaluate M&A opportunities that align with the company's growth objectives.
* Build and maintain relationships with key industry players, investment bankers, and other relevant parties.
* Conduct thorough financial analysis, market research, and due diligence on potential targets.
* Assess risks and opportunities associated with each transaction and provide recommendations.
* Develop and recommend deal structures that align with strategic objectives and financial considerations.
* Work closely with legal and financial teams to ensure compliance and successful deal execution.
* Lead negotiations with target companies, ensuring favourable terms and conditions for the organization.
* Interface with internal stakeholders, including executives and department heads, to ensure alignment on M&A strategies and objectives.
* Communicate effectively with external stakeholders, such as target companies, investment bankers, and legal advisors.
* Leverage internal expertise across debt advisory, financial diligence, value creation and post-merger integration to enhance deal execution and value realisation.
* Continuously monitor industry trends, regulatory developments and competitor activity to proactively identify risks and opportunities.
Requirements
* ACA qualified with a minimum 10 year’s experience within professional services or similar.
* 5 years of direct Financial Services M&A transactions experience as the lead advisor.
* Extensive execution experience on end-to-end deals (closed deal experience).
* Proven sell-side transaction experience within the Wealth and Insurance sectors.
* Strong experience of leading discussions with senior client executives and target management.
* Demonstrated experience of managing and mentoring team members.
* Review financial models and database systems.
* Experience creating and supporting the delivery of client pitches.
* Ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
* Assist in initiating and extending group marketing and client development effort.
* The ability to thrive in a dynamic, client-centric environment.
* A strategic mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
* Strong work ethic, organisational skills and ability to multitask.
* Ability to grow a business and act entrepreneurially.
* Holds a well-developed network professional network & relationships, clients and target professionals.
Benefits
* Annual leave 26 days (in addition to Public/Bank Holidays)
* Private medical insurance
* Life Assurance (4x salary)
* Group Income Protection
* Holiday buy (up to 10 days via salary sacrifice)
* Workplace pension scheme
* Discretionary bonus scheme
* Discounted gym membership
* Dental Insurance (optional, BUPA)
* Critical Illness Insurance (optional)