Arriva is one of the leading providers of passenger transport in Europe, delivering nearly two billion passenger journeys across ten European countries each year. We have a fantastic opportunity to join Arriva at a very exciting time for the business. The role of Group Strategy Analyst within Group Mergers and Acquisitions has arisen. The role will conduct comprehensive research on industry trends, market conditions, and competitors by obtaining, processing, documenting, analysing, and monitoring relevant information. The role supports providing Arriva Management with accurate benchmarking information for monitoring the business, and identifying and assessing growth opportunities. This role can be based from our London or Sunderland office, a minimum of 2 days per week with the rest focusing on where you can best deliver, whilst still allowing for the required work life balance. The role operates Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week with 1 hour lunch per day. Key responsibilities of the role include: Market research and analysis, driving Arriva’s intelligence on its competitive landscape where we already operate. Conducting market entry research to evaluate attractiveness of new markets where Arriva does not currently operate. Monitoring and synthesising Arriva’s growth strategy using internal and external datapoints. Preparing and updating competitor profiles, benchmarking Arriva’s performance against peers. Creating M&A target deal profiles to evaluate attractiveness of acquisitions. Supporting in preparation and updating of standard reports and documentation, including maintaining the M&A pipeline. Acting as Arriva’s subject matter expert on third party research tools and drive competitor and M&A target intelligence. Developing Arriva’s strategic research capabilities in line with the needs and requirements of Arriva’s stakeholders. Supporting ad-hoc requests for commercial and M&A research and analysis such as: Information memorandum reviews Tender information in new territories Supporting with due diligence KPI competitor research Prospective activities Attending industry forums and expos to keep up to date with industry activities and where appropriate, represent the Arriva Group. What we'd like from you Candidates must be experienced with research databases such as ORBIS, Bloomberg or Reuters. Candidates should be qualified to Bachelor’s Degree level in preferably either finance, economics, business or relatable subjects and preferably fluent in another European language. We’re also looking for candidates with prior experience in a research focused role ideally within professional services or in the passenger transport industry. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate: Experience in the financial or consultancy sector. Analytical skills, i.e. quantitative and qualitative analysis. Experience with financial analysis and modelling. Excellent communication skills, with ability to communicate effectively with various audiences and stakeholders across the business and externally. High levels of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of research and reporting. Proficiency with MS-office tools such as PowerPoint, Excel etc. Ability to work independently, with excellent organisational skills. Willingness to continuously learn and adapt to changing and ambiguous business environments. Ability to quickly understand various areas of research. Finally, we’re looking for candidates aligned to Arriva’s values: caring passionately, doing the right thing and making a difference. What we can offer you in addition to a competitive base salary: True hybrid working – focusing on where you can best deliver for your customers, whilst still allowing for the required work life balance. A generous pension plan. Life Assurance plus access to one of the UK’s largest networks of medical professionals. Modern offices, with excellent transport links. 25 days holidays and statutory bank holidays per year (pro rata for mid-year joiners), and opportunity to purchase additional holiday in eligible windows. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Access to discounts and cash back through ‘The Village’ – our Online Reward Gateway. Eyecare vouchers. The opportunity to join our Employee Experience Forum – a community of people leading activity and initiatives to enhance Wellbeing, Career Development and Communications within our community in the Corporate Centre. The opportunity to join a Global Arriva Inclusion Network (GAIN) group- a community of people who are passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion. Free Arriva bus travel for you and immediate family outside of London – T&C’s apply And a truly wonderful team to be joining Why work for us? Arriva is a people focused business. In every part of Arriva, our people deliver high standards of customer service and work together to demonstrate kindness, determination, and resilience. Our values were created by Arriva people. They guide our actions and the way we work, helping to reflect and shape our culture. They focus on caring, integrity and making the difference. Our people choose to work for us, and to stay with us, because we are a great place to work. At Arriva, we strive to create a culture where we can all be ourselves, where we belong, feel respected and our differences celebrated. We actively seek out and value difference. We want our business to reflect the wide range of communities in which we operate, so we can serve them even better. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 13th November 2024. Arriva Group reserve the right to close this vacancy early.