At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex HR M&A projects and shape people-focused transformations.
- Company: Join EY, a global leader in consulting and advisory services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a diverse work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on businesses while advancing your career in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Extensive HR M&A experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ 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.
What You’ll Do
- As a Senior Manager in HR M&A Transactions, you will play a key role in shaping and 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.
- Deliver complex HR M&A engagements.
- 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 maximise deal value.
- Lead 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, recognising individual strengths and areas for development.
- Drive continuous 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, providing subject‑matter expertise and insight.
- Contribute to the development of EY tools, methodologies and points of view.
- Develop clear, evidence‑based perspectives on People issues across both M&A and restructuring.
- 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.
What You Bring
- We are seeking a Senior Manager with strong delivery credentials and emerging commercial leadership:
- Extensive 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.
- Desirable: 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.
Who Thrives Here
- This role is well suited to someone who is:
- Comfortable owning delivery and being accountable for outcomes.
- Confident operating in ambiguity and under tight timelines.
- Proven in 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.
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.
Senior Manager - 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - 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 Senior Manager - HR M&A Transactions in London
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.
