Corporate Development Manager in Glasgow

The Corporate Development Manager plays a pivotal role in accelerating MARCH’s growth strategy through targeted acquisitions. Working closely with the Head of Corporate Development and the MARCH Board, this role identifies, evaluates, and progresses acquisition opportunities that strengthen our engineering capabilities. This high‑impact position is suited to someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment. You will shape the future of MARCH by sourcing founder‑led businesses, building trusted relationships with Managing Directors and CEOs, and supporting the execution of transactions from first conversation through to completion. For an ambitious M&A professional, this role offers exposure to Board‑level decision‑making, the opportunity to influence strategic direction, and the chance to help build a leading engineering group.

Core Responsibilities

• Deal Sourcing & Market Mapping: Identify, research, and prioritise acquisition opportunities aligned to MARCH’s strategic growth areas. Build and maintain a pipeline of founder‑led and mid‑market targets across engineering and technical services. Engage directly with business owners, Managing Directors and CEOs to build long‑term relationships.
• Assessment & Evaluation: Conduct initial commercial, operational and financial assessments of potential targets. Prepare valuation models, investment cases and strategic fit assessments. Coordinate early‑stage due diligence and risk analysis.
• Transaction Support & Execution: Support the end‑to‑end execution of acquisitions under the guidance of the Head of Corporate Development. Manage key workstreams such as financial modelling, data analysis, document preparation and due diligence coordination. Work with external advisors (legal, financial, tax) to ensure smooth and compliant transaction delivery.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare high‑quality materials for the Board and Investment Committee, including deal summaries, business cases and recommendation papers. Collaborate with Finance, Legal, HR, and Operational leaders to ensure alignment on integration planning and value‑creation opportunities.
• Market & Competitor Insight: Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and sector consolidation to inform MARCH’s acquisition strategy. Provide insight and recommendations to support strategic planning and long‑term growth.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Essential: Experience in M&A, corporate finance or transaction services, ideally gained in a lead advisory, Big Four or corporate finance environment. Capability in financial modelling, valuation and commercial analysis. Ability to build rapport and demonstrate credibility with founders, MDs, CEOs and senior stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously. High levels of discretion, integrity and professional judgement. A proactive, self‑starting approach with the confidence to operate in a fast‑moving, evolving environment.

Desirable: Experience working with engineering, technical services, industrials or relevant technology‑enabled businesses. Exposure to post‑merger integration, value‑creation planning or operational due diligence. Understanding of private equity environments or acquisitive mid‑market groups. Professional qualifications (e.g., ACA, CFA, CFQ) are beneficial but not essential.

Equal Opportunity: MARCH is committed to building teams that reflect a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We believe diverse thinking strengthens engineering, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let the team know.