M&A Assistant Director - Education Sector - EY Parthenon - London

Location: London

Date: 6 Jan 2026

Requisition ID: 1659918

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EY is a leading provider of corporate finance advisory services to the UK mid-market, with 200 bankers and other professionals covering key sectors and regional markets across the UK. Within this, EY has recently developed an education and training M&A practice focused on the fast-growing EdTech and corporate learning solution sectors together with more traditional verticals such as schools, higher education and nurseries. EY’s education and training team is one of the fastest growing parts of EY’s wider CF practice, with nine transactions ongoing at present and a very strong near-term pipeline. The team works closely with innovative tech businesses as well as private equity and other financial investors. The vast majority of work is sell-side M&A, covering minority growth capital fundraising, majority private equity sponsorship and full disposals. In addition, the team covers several key private equity accounts, supporting on buyside opportunities. The team collaborates closely with other parts of EY’s corporate finance business, particularly EY’s Technology M&A team and EY’s regional offices; and works very closely with other members of EY’s broader EMEA education practice such as EY’s strategy business EY Parthenon.

The team is looking for an associate director level banker with a strong relevant M&A track record and, preferably, experience within the education and/or training sector and/or experience in software transactions. The individual will take a junior leadership position within the EMEA education practice and help to run EY’s CF activities in the sector.

Your key responsibilities:

• Working within a team to execute M&A transactions including overall process coordination, buyer interaction, preparation of marketing materials, review of due diligence reports and general financial analysis.
• Largely UK focus, supporting other teams with sector input as appropriate; with the opportunity to work on engagements across Europe.
• Attending client meetings; developing existing relationships and building new ones.
• Running and developing financial models for transaction purposes.
• Assisting with the production of client presentations and documents (including pitch books, valuation materials, etc.), taking a central role in client pitches/meetings.
• Providing management and coaching to junior team members.
• Working with an experienced senior team in a collaborative work environment.
• Supporting in the building of EY’s education practice including building a personal market-facing brand.

In addition, you will:

• Originate transaction ideas, identifying opportunities, opening and leveraging relationships.
• Develop your own business network with a view to increasing your origination capabilities over the medium term; working as a team and leveraging the wider EY network and deal credentials.
• Take ownership and responsibility for broader team functions such as operational management/resourcing, training, people development, quality etc.

Skills and attributes for success:

• High degree of personal drive and motivation to succeed.
• Ability to learn quickly across sectors and different deal types.
• Good academic background.
• Strong experience in a corporate finance environment, including experience playing a lead role in executing transactions.
• Several (5+) years of corporate finance, M&A advisory or related experience. Ideal candidate would be already working at AD/VP level.
• Strong project management skills. Able to manage multiple projects and workstreams effectively, delivering high quality work across transactions and business development activities.
• Team-oriented with excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.

What we look for:

We are hiring candidates who are highly motivated, ambitious, and have a passion to be part of a fast-paced, successful M&A team. We are keen to help you develop your career and long-term motivation is something that we love to see in our team. Providing you with the platform to succeed is therefore key to us.

What working at EY offers:

We offer a competitive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your individual and team performance. Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development, and with FlexEY you can select benefits that suit your needs, covering holidays, health and well-being, insurance, savings and a wide range of discounts, offers and promotions.

In addition, EY offers:

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.

If you can demonstrate that you meet the criteria above, please contact us as soon as possible. The exceptional EY experience. It’s yours to build.