A financial services business backed by a leading mid-market PE investor, requires a Head of Corporate Development to lead on the origination and execution of value creative acquisitions, as well as to help drive and shape the future strategy of the business.
Duties & Responsibilities to include:
- Lead on all global M&A activity from origination to close.
- Act as advisor to the CFO, CEO, PE backers and wider Board to help shape the future direction and positioning of business.
- Work on a range of value creative and strategic initiatives.
- Drive the origination of value creative acquisitions which complement existing service lines, but also those which add new services and capabilities.
- Take the lead on all business development activities; attend regular events and conferences, manage relationships with brokers and advisers, and act as point of contact for all vendors and targets.
- Become an expert in the sector, and work with internal business leaders to identify adjacent spaces and strategic gaps that can be filled via M&A.
- Undertake detailed and thorough due diligence into all potential targets, ensuring strong strategic fit and alignment.
- Work with advisors on the completion of FDD, Tax DD, Legal DD etc.
- Manage relationships with senior executives, bankers, advisors, lawyers, and a range of internal stakeholders.
- Lead on all aspects of deal structuring and negotiations.
- Oversee all forecasting, business planning, 100 day plan creation, etc.
- Work with the internal integration function to ensure all acquisitions are fully integrated and synergies realised.
- Provide regular updates and KPIs into M&A activity.
Candidate Requirements:
- Proven ability to originate and execute value creative buy-side transactions.
- Prior experience managing transactions in the £50m – £300m+ EV range.
- A strategic and commercial mindset, with the ability to influence and drive strategy and value creation activities.
- The EQ, natural gravitas, and executive level presence to build relationships and trust, and to gain buy-in with potential vendors and targets on a global level.
- Prior experience of executing transactions in the financial services sector.
- Prior experience of originating and executing complex, cross-border acquisitions.
- A willingness to travel to meet targets as required (not extensive) – US & European travel required.
