Associate, M&A & Corporate Strategy in Oxford

As part of our Strategy & M&A team, you will play a central role in driving the firm's inorganic growth agenda and shaping key strategic priorities. You will identify, assess, and execute potential acquisitions, partnerships, and strategic investments that align with Aurora's long-term ambitions. This role combines corporate strategy with hands‐on transaction execution, requiring strong financial acumen, structured problem‐solving, and a deep understanding of M&A processes. You will work closely with senior leadership, Finance, and cross‐functional teams to evaluate opportunities end‐to‐end from initial screening and valuation through due diligence and transaction support.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the evaluation of potential M&A targets and strategic partnership opportunities, including financial analysis, valuation assessment, strategic fit analysis, and risk evaluation.
• Build and assess financial models to evaluate acquisition cases, scenario outcomes, and return profiles.
• Support and coordinate due diligence processes across commercial, financial, operational, and strategic workstreams.
• Contribute to transaction execution, including preparation of investment materials, management presentations, and internal approval documentation.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and communications to senior stakeholders translating complex data into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Monitor sector developments and competitive dynamics to proactively identify acquisition opportunities aligned with Aurora's strategic roadmap.

What we are looking for

• 3–5 years of experience in investment banking, transaction advisory, corporate development, or strategy consulting with significant M&A exposure.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating acquisition opportunities, including financial statement analysis, valuation methodologies, and due diligence processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare compelling and succinct presentations and reports for senior management.
• Clear understanding of the end-to-end M&A lifecycle, from origination and screening through execution.
• Strong financial modelling capability and comfort working with P&L, cash flow, and balance sheet analysis.
• Familiarity of the energy industry and data & software analytics space through academic or professional background is a plus.

What we offer

• Private Medical and Dental Insurance plus Flu Jabs.
• Salary-Exchange Pension.
• Parental Support.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Cycle-to-work Scheme and local Oxford discounts.

At AER, we are committed to offering flexibility in the way we work. Most of our roles are hybrid with a mix of in-office/home working and potentially adjustable working hours. Let's discuss what works for you and AER during the interview process.

The Company is committed to the principle that no employee or job applicant shall receive unfavourable treatment on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity.

To apply, please submit your Résumé / CV, a personal summary, your salary expectations and please inform us of your notice period. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications via email, telephone, or social media platforms. To be considered for this position, please submit your application using the link provided. Applications submitted through any other channel will not be reviewed.