Manager - HR M&A Transactions

Manager - HR M&A Transactions

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead complex HR M&A projects and shape people-led transformation programmes.
  • Company: Join a global leader in professional services with a focus on people and transformation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by advising clients on transformative M&A strategies.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR M&A and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

As a Manager in HR M&A Transactions, you will play a key role in delivering complex, people-focused M&A and restructuring engagements. You will act as a trusted advisor to clients while providing strong leadership across delivery teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead key people workstreams across M&A engagements across the full deal lifecycle, including Due Diligence, Sell & Separate and Buy & Integrate.
  • Shape and deliver people-led transformation programmes that enhance organisational performance and maximise deal value.
  • Support in the preparation of high-quality RFP responses and client proposals, ensuring timely, professional and compelling submissions.
  • Ensure full compliance with EY's Quality and Risk Management (QRM) requirements, from client acceptance through to programme close.
  • Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with clients and multi-disciplinary EY delivery teams.
  • Uphold EY's quality, risk and commercial standards across all engagements.
  • Contribute to strengthening EY's reputation as a trusted advisor in HR M&A and people-led transformation.
  • Act as a coach and mentor within the HR M&A team.
  • Drive capability development, drawing on your SMR experience and practical insight.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
  • Role-model EY values, quality and client service excellence.
  • Support the ongoing growth of the practice by building strong day-to-day relationships with clients and internal EY stakeholders, becoming a trusted 'go-to' advisor.
  • Support the sales process by contributing to the development of client propositions, presentations and collateral.
  • Play an active role in go-to-market initiatives.
  • Contribute to the development of EY tools, methodologies and points of view.
  • Translate complex data, regulatory requirements and operational detail into clear, concise and actionable insights for clients.
  • Operate as an SMR across the M&A lifecycle, with strong knowledge across key HR disciplines including organisational design and effectiveness, employee and industrial relations, benefits, communications and change management.
  • Support sector development, representing the M&A People proposition and building collaborative cross-functional relationships across EY.

Qualifications

  • Experience across HR M&A, HR transformation, restructuring and people consulting.
  • Proven ability to lead complex HR workstreams in both domestic and international contexts, working with diverse EY and client teams.
  • Strong focus on the employee proposition, with a clear understanding of key risks, best practices and delivery within agreed time, cost and risk parameters.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging senior client leadership.
  • Strong analytical capability combined with clear, structured communication and high-impact presentation skills.
  • Experience across both buy-side and sell-side transactions, as well as organisational restructuring.
  • Professional HR qualifications (e.g. CIPD) or a relevant degree.
  • Experience working in large, global or highly regulated environments.
  • Comfortable owning delivery and being accountable for outcomes.
  • Confident operating in ambiguity and under tight timelines.
  • Proven providing calm, structured and professional leadership in complex programmes.
  • Highly detail-oriented, particularly across client delivery, programme management and QRM.
  • Passionate about people, deals and transformation.
  • Ambitious, motivated and committed to progressing their career within EY.

Manager - HR M&A Transactions employer: Ernst & Young

At EY, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Manager in HR M&A Transactions, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a strong emphasis on work-life balance, and the chance to work with diverse teams on impactful projects that shape the future of organisations. Our inclusive culture and commitment to quality ensure that you will thrive while making a meaningful difference for our clients and their people.

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Contact Details:

Ernst & Young Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manager - HR M&A Transactions

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Ernst & Young!

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.

Showcase Your HR Passion

Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Ernst & Young.

We think you need these skills to ace Manager - HR M&A Transactions

HR M&A Transactions
People Consulting
Due Diligence
Organisational Design and Effectiveness
Employee and Industrial Relations
Change Management
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Ernst & Young. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Ernst & Young and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Ernst & Young. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Ernst & Young's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ernst & Young

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Ernst & Young.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at Ernst & Young will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Ernst & Young and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.