At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic due diligence for M&A opportunities and collaborate across functions.
- Company: Join Cognizant, a global leader in corporate development with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work flexibility, competitive salary, and wellbeing programs.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on international deals and grow your career.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-stakes transactions in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial and operational due diligence, preferably in consulting or M&A.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
About The Role
As an Associate Director - Corporate Development, Strategic Due Diligence you will make an impact by leading strategic, commercial and cross-functional due diligence on prospective M&A opportunities for Cognizant.
You will be a valued member of the Global Strategic Due Diligence team within Corporate Development, supporting transactions across the UK & Ireland, Europe, North America and APAC, with primary responsibility for the UKI and European markets.
- In This Role, You Will
- Lead commercial and strategic financial reviews of prospective M&A targets, including market sizing, benchmarking, customer interviews, value capture planning and other commercial analysis.
- Coordinate end-to-end, cross-functional due diligence across Finance, HR, Tax, Legal, IT, Security and other corporate functions, working closely with Regional Diligence Leads.
- Prepare for and participate in target management meetings, bringing together commercial and functional findings to support investment decisions.
- Develop high-quality Executive Leadership and Investment Committee materials, clearly articulating key findings, opportunities and transaction risks.
- Support transactions through signing and closing, including reviewing transaction documentation, coordinating functional teams, supporting funds-flow activities and helping ensure an effective transition into post-close integration.
- Work model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible.
Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position based in London.
Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting.
This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements.
Rest assured, we will always be clear about role expectations.
- What you need to have to be considered
- In depth professional experience, with substantial experience in financial, commercial and/or operational due diligence.
- Due diligence experience gained within a top-tier consulting firm, Big Four organisation or corporate development/M&A team.
- Experience within business services, technology services or another professional services environment.
- Strong M&A transaction experience with the ability to assess commercial opportunities, financial considerations, operational risks and cross-functional due diligence findings.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and Power Point skills, with the ability to analyse complex information and translate findings into high-impact presentations and reporting for senior executives.
- These will help you stand out
- A BA or BS degree in Accounting, Finance or another relevant business discipline.
- A professional or postgraduate qualification such as ACA/CA, CPA, CFA or MBA.
- Experience across 25+ M&A transactions, gained in deal execution, commercial due diligence, M&A strategy or financial due diligence.
- Experience working on international, cross-border M&A transactions involving multiple corporate functions and senior stakeholders.
- The ability to operate confidently with senior executives and investment committees while coaching colleagues and promoting best practice across a global team.
We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways.
Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed.
Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.
Associate Director - Corporate Development, Strategic Due Diligence in London employer: Cognizant
Cognizant is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to excel in their careers. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, you will have access to mentorship opportunities and the chance to lead transformative projects in a dynamic environment. Located in a vibrant area, Cognizant offers unique advantages such as a diverse team and a commitment to work-life balance, ensuring that your contributions are both meaningful and rewarding.
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We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Corporate Development, Strategic Due Diligence in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Corporate Development, Strategic Due Diligence in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Cognizant
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Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Cognizant, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
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Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Cognizant could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
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