Operational Deal Services Director in London

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we’re on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. Our Operational Deal Services team advises clients on the operational aspects of transactions and on how to maximise their value. We also specialise in supporting clients with the design and implementation of organisation‑wide change programmes that create a sustainable legacy well after the deal is done.

We pride ourselves not just in providing insights during the pre‑deal phase but in becoming a transformation partner and critical friend for our clients during the deal and beyond; helping them to solve complex problems effectively. We work pre and post‑deal, for corporate, private equity and other institutions, across a range of sectors. We support transactions ranging from owner managed business being sold, to £billion+ mergers. Our core service offerings are:

• Carve outs/separations (buy side and sell side)
• Synergy assessments
• Integrations
• Operational due diligence (buy side and sell side)
• Post‑deal operational improvement/value realisation

As part of the wider Advisory team within Grant Thornton, we work with a high calibre team of subject matter experts in IT, HR, Finance and Business Operations and with the other Grant Thornton Deals Advisory teams working across the deal life cycle. Our work is mainly UK‑based but often has an international dimension where clients have, or are looking to acquire, operations in other territories.

We’re happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares, we’ll support you to balance your work and life.

A look into the role: As a Director within our Operational Deal Services team, you will:

• Lead day to day client relationships for a range of project sizes and take responsibility for client delivery, including leading client meetings and workshops, presentation of project outputs and report drafting
• Interpret and analyse complex information, identify business issues and apply technical knowledge appropriately to provide appropriate client solutions
• Create a positive team working environment and work effectively and enthusiastically with all members of the team. You’ll show leadership and always be prepared to get involved
• Prepare sales proposals and pitches and leverage your established external network. You’ll have a track record of proactively building internal and external networks to generate opportunities through the qualification of leads and continue to do this at Grant Thornton
• Understand the services of Grant Thornton and take an active role in cross‑selling whilst raising the awareness of Operational Deal Services within the firm
• Support the provision of ‘on the job’ training to Managers, Assistant Managers and Associates, including providing regular feedback and seeking the same from them to you
• Support with the future recruitment of new Operational Deal Services team members
• Assist the Operational Deal Services Partners and Directors with the day to day running of the department, leading internal initiatives, and providing an appropriate level of delegation and support to other team members
• Take overall responsibility for project budgeting and management of actual costs versus budget, as well as project quality and risk

Knowing you’re right for us: Joining us as a director, the minimum criteria you’ll need to have:

• Deep knowledge of two or more of our core Operational Deal Services offerings
• Prior consulting (in‑house or advisory) experience and/or significant project work experience in relation to transactions
• Extensive experience of preparing and reviewing high quality written reports, Excel analysis and presentations
• Project management and/or change management and/or transformation skills

It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way:

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
• An Accountancy/Finance qualification
• Foreign language skills
• A formal Project/Programme Management qualification

Knowing we’re right for you: Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people, we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.

Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.

Beyond the job: Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance.

The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments, to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.

We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves.