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)