Vice President / Director – Merchant Banking (Investment & Advisory)

We are exclusively partnering with a highly regarded independent merchant bank providing investment and partner-led M&A, strategic and capital markets advice to a select group of corporate clients, private-equity sponsors, family offices and entrepreneurs.

Operating internationally, the firm combines senior-level advisory capabilities with the ability to invest selectively alongside its clients. It works on complex, frequently cross-border transactions across a broad range of sectors.

The firm’s lean, entrepreneurial structure offers considerable exposure to senior decision-makers and the opportunity to play an influential role in its continued growth.

Role Summary

The firm is seeking to appoint a Vice President or Director to support the origination and execution of investment, M&A, strategic advisory and capital markets mandates.

The successful candidate will take significant responsibility across the full transaction lifecycle, from developing client relationships and originating opportunities through to analysis, negotiation and completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day execution of sell-side, buy-side and other strategic advisory mandates.
• Manage transactions from initial evaluation and preparation through due diligence, negotiation and completion.
• Develop financial models, valuation analyses and transaction structures.
• Prepare and review client presentations, board materials, information memoranda and other transaction documentation.
• Coordinate internal teams, clients and external advisers across complex and cross-border processes.
• Identify key commercial and execution issues and provide clear, considered advice to clients.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy, judgement and responsiveness throughout each mandate.

Origination and Client Coverage

• Develop relationships with corporate clients, private-equity sponsors, family offices and entrepreneurs.
• Identify potential transactions and strategic opportunities through sector research, market intelligence and relationship development.
• Prepare tailored pitches, strategic ideas and transaction proposals.
• At Director level, originate new opportunities and develop an independent network of senior client relationships.
• Represent the firm confidently in meetings with management teams, shareholders, boards and investors.

Strategic and Capital Markets Advisory

• Advise clients on acquisitions, disposals, strategic reviews, carve-outs, shareholder matters and capital-raising options.
• Assess capital structures, financing alternatives and private-capital solutions.
• Provide thoughtful, independent advice on situations that may not fit a conventional transaction process.
• Work closely with the senior team to develop long-term client relationships rather than purely transaction-led engagements.
• Manage, mentor and develop junior members of the team.
• Allocate work effectively and provide clear direction and constructive feedback.
• Contribute to the firm’s culture, recruitment and broader development.
• Help maintain a collaborative, collegiate and high-performance working environment.

Candidate Profile

• Significant experience within a leading investment bank, independent advisory firm or closely related private-capital environment.
• Strong track record of executing M&A transactions, ideally including complex or cross-border situations.
• Excellent financial modelling, valuation and analytical capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple transaction workstreams and provide direction to junior colleagues.
• Strong commercial judgement and the confidence to engage directly with senior clients and counterparties.
• Evidence of relationship development and business-generation capability, particularly for candidates at Director level.
• Entrepreneurial, proactive and comfortable operating within a lean, senior-led organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High levels of discretion, integrity and attention to detail.
• Fluent English is required; additional European languages would be advantageous.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a differentiated merchant-banking platform at an important stage of its development. The successful candidate will work closely with the firm’s senior leadership, gain substantial responsibility across high-quality mandates and contribute directly to the growth of the business.

The position should appeal to someone who values independent advice, meaningful client relationships and the opportunity to combine the standards of a leading investment bank with the agility and ownership of an entrepreneurial firm.