Purpose of the Position
The Director, M&A Execution and Transactions role is to lead the execution of pharmaceutical M&A transactions, focusing on deal evaluation, key stakeholder communications and transaction management.
Operating as a senior member of the Corporate Development function, the Director will lead the full lifecycle of M&A transactions and oversee the due diligence process.
This role carries significant strategic responsibility and ownership ensuring smooth coordination across internal teams and representing CNX Therapeutics externally at the highest level to help achieve our strategic grown initiative.
Core Tasks & Responsibilities
Deal execution:
- Lead the full lifecycle of M&A transactions, from early evaluation through signing and closing, with a focus on specialty pharma assets (branded generics, niche therapeutics, etc.)
- Manage cross-functional deal teams (legal, finance, regulatory, commercial, supply chain) to ensure seamless execution
- Oversee due diligence processes, including financial, operational, regulatory, and clinical assessments in close coordination with the Head of Due Diligence
- Structure transaction terms, including asset or company deals, licensing agreements, earn-outs, and partnerships
- Assist in negotiations and documentation in collaboration with legal and finance teams.
- Ownership of business case assumptions and translations of diligence finding into value items
- Conduct preliminary assessments of potential targets, including strategic fit and high-level financial analysis in collaboration with the strategic planning and portfolio team
- Drive valuation analysis and financial modelling to support investment decisions in coordination with Finance
- Assist to interactions with external stakeholders, including investment banks, advisors, and target company leadership when relevant
- Support integration planning and handover to integration teams post-close
Senior Stakeholder Communication and Reporting:
- Develop clear, timely updates and high-quality materials for executive leadership, board meetings, and key stakeholders
- Support M&A strategy development and qualification of target fit to defined criteria
- Maintain M&A pipeline dashboard up-to-date
What Success Looks Like:
- Transactions executed on time and with strong discipline.
- Clear alignment between deal activity and CNX's Value Creation Plan.
- Efficient coordination across departments and advisors.
- High-quality diligence that minimizes post-close surprises.
- Strong contribution to growth, EBITDA expansion, and eventual exit readiness
Required Skills & Experience
- Educated in Finance, Economics, Business, or related field; MBA or CFA preferred.
- Extensive experience in investment banking (M&A) or private equity, ideally with healthcare or life sciences exposure.
- Strong understanding of deal processes and transaction dynamics.
- Exposure to buy-and-build strategy execution.
- Strategic thinking and ability to develop and maintain external relations
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, M&A Execution and Transactions in London
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like CNX Therapeutics Ltd. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like CNX Therapeutics Ltd.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like CNX Therapeutics Ltd. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what CNX Therapeutics Ltd is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at CNX Therapeutics Ltd!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show CNX Therapeutics Ltd that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at CNX Therapeutics Ltd!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At CNX Therapeutics Ltd, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at CNX Therapeutics Ltd
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at CNX Therapeutics Ltd that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with CNX Therapeutics Ltd’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
