Director, HR Transactions in London

At EY, we help CEOs and business leaders shape the future of their organisations. With more than 7,000 professionals in the UK alone, we partner with clients to design bold strategies and deliver transformative change that creates long‑term value for people, businesses, and society. As our HR M&A practice continues to grow at pace, we’re looking for an exceptional Director to join our UK HR Transactions team—the leading HR M&A advisory business in EMEIA.

Why This Role Matters

You’ll be at the heart of some of the most exciting and high‑profile deals in the market, advising leading global organisations—including private equity, digital, telecoms, and major corporate clients—through every stage of the transaction lifecycle. Working with senior decision‑makers, you’ll shape people strategies that make the difference between a good deal and a great one. If you thrive in fast‑moving environments, love solving complex challenges, and want to influence deals that reshape industries, this is the opportunity for you.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and deliver high‑impact projects
• Oversee end‑to‑end HR M&A engagements—from due diligence and Day 1 planning to carve‑outs and post‑merger integration.
• Shape and execute people‑focused transformation programmes that improve organisational performance and deliver value.
• Drive strategic thinking
• Develop HR strategies that support M&A goals, leveraging EY’s global tools, insights, and methodologies.
• Convert complex data into clear insights to support client decision‑making.
• Empower and guide teams
• Lead and support talented HR M&A consultants through demanding and varied project environments.
• Create a collaborative, high‑performing team culture.
• Grow our business
• Build and nurture client relationships, lead business development efforts, and play a key role in our go‑to‑market strategy.

What You Bring

• Significant experience in HR M&A, HR strategy, HR transformation and HR consulting.
• Ability to lead complex, fast‑paced projects with confidence.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills—comfortable working closely with senior executives.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex data into compelling insights.
• A passion for people, M&A, and building trusted client relationships.

Bonus points for:

• A degree in business, finance, or a related field.
• Experience working in global or cross‑border environments.

Who Thrives Here

This role is perfect for someone who is:

• Motivated and proactive, with the drive to deliver exceptional work under changing priorities.
• Analytical and detail‑oriented, but also able to see the bigger commercial picture.
• Team‑oriented, thriving in environments where collaboration and adaptability matter.
• Curious and ambitious, always looking to innovate and push boundaries.

What You’ll Get at EY

This role offers exceptional career acceleration and exposure:

• Work with iconic brands across the UK, Europe, and beyond—on deals that truly shape the market.
• A diverse, collaborative team culture focused on support, coaching, and growth.
• Access to leading M&A practitioners and global EY networks.
• Attractive, performance‑linked compensation and benefits.
• Flexibility in when and where you work.
• A dedicated career counsellor, personalised training pathways, and opportunities for professional certifications.
• A strong focus on wellbeing through EY’s Care & Wellness programme.

If you want to make a real impact in deals, shape the future of workforces, and grow your career in a high‑performing, fast‑growing team, we’d love to meet you.