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- Tasks: Lead strategic projects and drive M&A initiatives to transform our platform strategy.
- Company: Join Index Soft Limited, a remote tech company connecting top software engineers with start-ups.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, professional mentorship, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in tech by shaping strategies and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: MBA or equivalent with experience in corporate strategy and M&A.
- Other info: Flexible remote work with opportunities for career advancement and potential full-time roles.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Predominantly working from home (virtual), with monthly meetings at Index Soft Limited’s London office and occasional travel to key clients. Index Soft Limited (ISL) is a UK‑registered remote organisation connecting high‑calibre software engineers from South‑East Europe with tech start‑ups in the UK and US. In this role you will work closely with ISL’s CEO and senior management to drive a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project that transforms the company’s platform strategy through vertical integration, M&A, and demand‑side network orchestration.
Responsibilities
- Lead the KTP project, ensuring milestones are achieved and commercial scaling is delivered.
- Translate advanced platform theory into actionable commercial strategy with measurable business outcomes.
- Drive acquisition strategy, market positioning, and algorithmic demand generation.
- Coordinate with senior university academics and ISL’s Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Adviser to integrate research insights into practice.
- Facilitate post‑acquisition integration and cross‑functional collaboration across multiple jurisdictions.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- MBA DBA (completed or in finalisation) with a research focus on digital platforms and strategy.
- ACCA or equivalent qualification relevant for M&A financial modelling and due diligence (CFA, CIMA, ACA, or similar).
- Significant progressive strategic and commercial experience.
- Proven track record in corporate strategy, M&A identification, negotiation, due diligence, and post‑acquisition integration.
- Deep expertise in platform economics, demand‑side network orchestration, and multi‑sided platform dynamics.
- Strategic financial modelling for M&A valuation, integration scenarios, and platform business models.
- Experience translating platform theory into commercial strategy and measurable outcomes.
- Demonstrated capability in market analysis, competitive positioning, and algorithmic demand strategy.
Desirable Qualifications
- Published research or thought leadership in platform strategy, network effects, or digital business models.
- Experience with vertical integration strategies in technology or platform businesses.
- Track record in repositioning companies from marketplace to delivery/services models.
- Proficiency in design thinking, rapid experimentation, and agile strategic planning.
- Experience navigating complex compliance landscapes across multiple jurisdictions.
Benefits
- Annual leave (25 days p/a).
- Professional support and mentorship.
- Mental health and wellbeing support.
- Potential for employment with the host company after the KTP (60% of associates are offered positions).
Equal Opportunity
Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, and as users of the disability confident scheme we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
Acting Director of Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Lead in City of Westminster employer: Aston University
Contact Detail:
Aston University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Acting Director of Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Lead in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend virtual events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. We should be ready to discuss how our skills align with their goals, especially in M&A and platform strategy. Show them we mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine our responses. Let’s focus on articulating our experience in strategic financial modelling and market analysis clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can showcase our enthusiasm for the role and the company directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Acting Director of Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Lead in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Acting Director of Strategy and M&A Lead. Highlight your strategic experience and any relevant qualifications, like your MBA or ACCA, to show us you’re the perfect fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background in platform strategy and M&A can drive our KTP project forward. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in corporate strategy and M&A. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact – we love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in platform economics and M&A strategies. Brush up on your knowledge of digital platforms and be ready to discuss how you can translate theory into actionable strategies. This role is all about driving commercial outcomes, so show them you understand the nuances.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your strategic and commercial experience. Talk about successful M&A deals you've led or been a part of, and how you navigated post-acquisition integration. Real-life stories will make your application stand out.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Research Index Soft Limited and their current projects. Understand their mission and how they connect software engineers with tech start-ups. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their Knowledge Transfer Partnership project.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare insightful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the company’s challenges. Inquire about their approach to market positioning or how they envision the future of their platform strategy. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in the company’s growth.