Director - HR M&A Transactions in London

Director - HR M&A Transactions in London

London Full-Time 99000 - 121000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
EY (Ernst & Young)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR M&A strategies and deliver impactful transformation programmes.
  • Company: Join EY, a global leader in consulting and professional services.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Ideal for proactive, analytical, and collaborative individuals.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of M&A while empowering diverse teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HR M&A and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence. We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help to build a better working world.

As a Director in HR M&A Transactions, you will play a critical leadership role across strategy, delivery, people and commercial growth.

  • Drive strategic thinking
    • Develop and shape HR strategies that directly enable M&A objectives, drawing on EY’s global tools, insights and methodologies.
    • Translate complex datasets into clear, compelling insights that strengthen client propositions and support practice growth.
    • Stay abreast of market trends and emerging insights shaping the M&A landscape, using these to continually refine EY’s M&A People proposition.
    • Actively represent EY in the market, promoting our thought leadership, insights and value proposition.
  • Define and deliver high-impact projects
    • Lead end-to-end HR 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 realise deal value.
    • Lead the development of high-quality RFP responses and client proposals, ensuring timely and professional execution.
    • Ensure full compliance with EY’s Quality and Risk Management (QRM) requirements, from client acceptance through delivery and programme close.
    • Build and sustain trusted relationships with clients and multi-disciplinary delivery teams.
    • Uphold EY’s quality, risk and commercial standards across all engagements.
    • Strengthen EY’s reputation as a trusted partner in HR M&A and people-led transformation.
  • Empower and guide teams
    • Lead, coach and develop high-performing HR M&A consultants in complex and demanding delivery environments.
    • Partner closely with client leadership teams to guide them effectively through the delivery journey.
    • Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture, acting as both mentor and role-modelled leader.
    • Be recognised as a trusted senior leader and SMR within the HR Transactions team and the wider EY Consulting practice.
  • Commercial acumen
    • Build and deepen senior client relationships across priority sectors.
    • Lead business development activity to sustain and grow commercial performance.
    • Play a key role in defining and executing EY’s go-to-market strategy for M&A People services.
    • Track, manage and interpret key engagement and financial performance metrics.
    • Translate strategy into actionable plans that drive individual, team and financial performance.

What You Bring

  • Significant experience across HR M&A, HR strategy, HR transformation and HR consulting.
  • Proven ability to shape, lead and deliver complex, fast-paced programmes with confidence.
  • Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with credibility at senior executive level.
  • Strong analytical capability, with a talent for distilling complexity into impactful insight.
  • A genuine passion for people, M&A and building enduring client relationships.
  • Personal drive, resilience and determination to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes.
  • High emotional intelligence and adaptability to lead diverse teams and clients through ambiguity and change.
  • Experience working with domestic and international clients, balancing client needs with team wellbeing.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
  • A proven track record of establishing a credible SMR reputation within a professional services environment.
  • Desirable: Degree and post-graduate qualification (beneficial but not essential). Experience working in global and cross-border M&A environments.

Who Thrives Here

  • This role is ideally suited to someone who is proactive, motivated and driven to deliver outstanding results.
  • Analytically minded and detail-focused, while maintaining strong commercial perspective.
  • Collaborative and team-oriented, thriving in dynamic and evolving environments.
  • Curious, ambitious and committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Self-motivated and resilient, with the energy to continually evolve EY’s M&A People proposition.

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets. Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow. EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

Director - HR M&A Transactions in London employer: EY (Ernst & Young)

At EY, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth and collaboration. Located in the heart of London, our team enjoys a flexible environment with access to world-class training and development opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive community dedicated to building a better working world.

EY (Ernst & Young)

Contact Details:

EY (Ernst & Young) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director - HR M&A Transactions in London

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 EY (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 EY (Ernst & Young).

We think you need these skills to ace Director - HR M&A Transactions in London

HR M&A Expertise
HR Strategy Development
HR Transformation
Consulting Skills
Project Management
Communication Skills
Influencing Skills

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 EY (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 EY (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 EY (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 EY (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 EY (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 EY (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 EY (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 EY (Ernst & Young) and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.