Integration and Carve Out Engagement Lead / Engagement Director, London

Integration and Carve Out Engagement Lead / Engagement Director, London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Alpha Financial Markets

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead high-profile integration and separation projects in the financial services sector.
  • Company: Join Alpha FMC, a leading global consulting firm with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, profit share, flexible benefits, and extensive training opportunities.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and mentorship.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on major transactions and shape the future of financial services.
  • Qualifications: 7+ years in integration planning with strong leadership and analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

About Alpha FMC

Founded in London in 2003, Alpha FMC is a leading global consulting firm specializing in the financial services industry. Our 1,500+ consultants work across 19 offices worldwide, combining deep sector expertise with hands-on delivery to support more than 970 clients across asset management, wealth management, insurance, and broader financial services.

We are expanding our Technology Due Diligence offering within the Strategy & Deals team and are seeking experienced professionals to lead high-profile buy-side and sell-side engagements. Our engagements deliver targeted assessments of technology risk, value creation potential, and operational resilience — enabling investors and corporate clients to make well-informed transaction decisions. Alpha FMC is PE-backed with material investment committed to growing our Strategy & Deals practice, and Integration & Separation is a strategic priority. The chosen hire will not simply deliver engagements, they will help define how we take this capability to market, shape our service offerings and delivery approach, and build the team around them. From day one, you will carry real client responsibilities and have a direct hand in determining the success of the practice.

Level Guidance

We are open at both the Engagement Lead and Engagement Director level, depending on candidate experience:

  • Engagement Lead (EL): 7+ years of relevant experience, with a proven track record of leading integration or separation planning in financial services across IT and business workstreams.
  • Engagement Director (ED): 10+ years of relevant experience, with a proven track record of leading integration or separation planning in financial services across IT and business workstreams.

Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities below apply across both levels; Engagement Directors are expected to take greater ownership of client relationships and practice development.

Integration & Separation Engagements

  • Lead pre-deal integration and separation planning engagements, developing a deal impact assessment with clear picture of Day 1 close requirements and operating model changes across business functions, operations and IT.
  • Design target operating models and integration or separation blueprints that reflect the transaction thesis and the realities of financial services operating environments.
  • Build integration or separation strategies, governance frameworks, and Day 1 readiness plans that set programs up for success from the outset.
  • Lead Day 1 planning and mobilization, establishing the workstream structure, priorities, decision-making cadence, and early milestones required to support the client and drive the deal to a successful Close.
  • Assess IT and Operations synergy opportunities and quantify integration cost and benefit cases, translating findings into actionable recommendations for deal teams and leadership.
  • For carve-outs, evaluate standalone operating model impacts across IT and business functions and assess TSA requirements and exit planning considerations.
  • Evaluate how AI, data platforms, and emerging technologies can support post-deal value creation, incorporating these perspectives into integration or separation design.

Client & Stakeholder Management

  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, including Heads of Business Units, CFOs, COOs, and CTOs.
  • Structure and present conclusions clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, ensuring insights are commercially grounded and decision-ready.
  • Lead and facilitate cross functional client workshops throughout the merger process, driving alignment across stakeholders on operating model design and integration decisions, and ensuring each session produces clear, tangible outputs—including prioritized decisions, action items, and next step ownership.

Team & Practice

  • Mentor and develop team members, ensuring high-quality deliverables and knowledge sharing across the team.
  • Support business development efforts, including proposals, client pitches, and thought leadership.

Technology & Operations Due Diligence

In addition to integration and separation work, Engagement Leads may support targeted technology and operations due diligence engagements, including:

  • Assessing enterprise technology environments, architecture, and operational resilience in the context of a transaction thesis.
  • Identifying IT and operational risks, standalone cost implications, and integration considerations relevant to deal execution.
  • Contributing technical and operational findings to broader deal team workstreams.

What We’re Looking For

  • 7+ years of relevant experience in integration and separation planning, design, or post-merger transformation within financial services.
  • Experience in the Financial Services industry is essential, including a solid understanding of the sector’s value chain, key market participants, and emerging trends, along with deep specialization in at least one subsector such as Asset Management, Asset Servicing, Wealth Management, Banking, Insurance, and/or the associated Financial Services FinTech ecosystem.
  • Strong track record of leading pre-deal and early post-close workstreams across IT and business functions, with experience designing operating models and mobilizing deal transaction programs.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to distil complex findings into actionable insights.
  • Proven experience leading teams and managing senior client relationships.
  • Solid understanding of financial services operating models, technology landscapes, and regulatory considerations.
  • Familiarity with technology or operational due diligence is advantageous.

What We Offer

  • Competitive base salary with profit share scheme.
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
  • Flexible benefits including private health insurance, life insurance, and income protection.
  • Comprehensive training and development programs, including support for professional qualifications such as the CFA and IMC.

Integration and Carve Out Engagement Lead / Engagement Director, London employer: Alpha Financial Markets

Alpha FMC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets expertise in financial services consulting. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development programmes, competitive salaries, and a profit share scheme, ensuring that our team members are well-equipped to lead high-profile engagements. Our collaborative culture fosters mentorship and knowledge sharing, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.

Alpha Financial Markets

Contact Details:

Alpha Financial Markets Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Integration and Carve Out Engagement Lead / Engagement Director, London

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Alpha Financial Markets. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Integration and Carve Out Engagement Lead / Engagement Director, London

Integration Planning
Separation Planning
Financial Services Expertise
Technology Due Diligence
Operational Resilience Assessment
Client Relationship Management
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Alpha Financial Markets.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Alpha Financial Markets's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Alpha Financial Markets

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Alpha Financial Markets.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Alpha Financial Markets will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Alpha Financial Markets employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.