At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting mid-market M&A deals from start to finish and mentor a talented team.
- Company: Top advisory firm with a strong presence in the South West market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus structure, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Clear path to Directorship and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-quality transactions and build your personal brand.
- Qualifications: 3-6 years in Corporate Finance with experience in PE-backed transactions.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client, a leading mid-market advisory firm, is looking to appoint a Corporate Finance Associate Director into its Bristol M&A team. With a strong pipeline of PE-backed transactions, this role offers the opportunity to lead high-quality deals, build a personal brand in the South West market, and progress on a clear path to Director.
What you will be doing:
- End-to-End Execution: Leading complex mid-market M&A transactions (buy-side and sell-side) from initial pitch through to successful completion.
- Origination & Networking: Taking a front-seat role in business development, building relationships with local PE houses, banks, lawyers, and SME business owners.
- Strategic Advisory: Overseeing the preparation of high-quality deal materials including IMs, teasers, and financial models, while leading management presentations.
- Leadership: Mentoring, managing, and developing a talented local deal team.
What we are looking for:
- 3-6 years PQE within Corporate Finance / Lead Advisory.
- Strong exposure to PE-backed transactions including MBOs, LBOs, and growth capital deals.
- An existing South West network, or a highly credible background combined with a genuine commitment to relocating to the Bristol area.
- Strong commercial instincts with a genuine interest in both origination and execution.
What is on offer:
- Highly competitive base salary tailored to experience.
- Lucrative and transparent bonus structure linked to origination and execution performance.
- True hybrid and flexible working environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including enhanced pension and private healthcare.
- A clear, structured, and achievable route to Directorship.
Bristol M&A Associate Director: Lead Mid‑Market Deals employer: ACL Partners
Our client is a leading mid-market advisory firm based in Bristol, offering an exceptional work environment that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong focus on employee well-being, the company provides a competitive salary, a transparent bonus structure, and a flexible working culture that encourages a healthy work-life balance. Employees have the unique opportunity to lead high-quality M&A transactions while building their personal brand in the South West market, all within a supportive team that values mentorship and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bristol M&A Associate Director: Lead Mid‑Market Deals
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with local PE houses, banks, and lawyers. Attend industry events or even grab a coffee with someone in the know – it’s all about building those relationships that can lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you’re in conversations, don’t shy away from discussing your experience with M&A transactions. Share insights on how you’ve led deals and what you’ve learned along the way – it’ll help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your job search! Instead of just waiting for roles to pop up, reach out directly to firms you admire. Let them know you’re interested in opportunities and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Bristol M&A Associate Director: Lead Mid‑Market Deals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Associate Director in Corporate Finance. Highlight your experience with mid-market M&A transactions and any relevant PE-backed deals you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our team. Don't forget to mention your existing network in the South West and your commitment to relocating to Bristol.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a potential leader in our team, it's important to demonstrate your mentoring and management experience. Share examples of how you've developed talent in previous roles and how you plan to lead our local deal team to success.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at ACL Partners
✨Know Your M&A Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mid-market M&A transactions, especially PE-backed deals. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience, like MBOs and LBOs, and how you've successfully led similar projects.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since this role involves building relationships with local PE houses and other stakeholders, come prepared with insights about the South West market. Mention any connections you have and how you plan to leverage them for business development.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience in mentoring and managing teams. Share specific instances where you've developed talent or led a team through a complex deal, highlighting your leadership style and its impact on the team's success.
✨Prepare High-Quality Deal Materials
Familiarise yourself with the types of deal materials you'll be overseeing, like IMs and financial models. Bring examples of your previous work if possible, and be prepared to discuss how you ensure quality and clarity in these documents.