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- Tasks: Lead M&A transactions and drive growth strategies in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Dynamic financial services firm focused on innovative growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and collaboration with senior leadership.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the financial sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of M&A experience and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Corporate Development Deal Lead to play a central role in executing the group’s inorganic growth strategy. This individual will lead full-cycle M&A transactions, from origination through to completion, working closely with senior management, private equity sponsors, and external advisers.
The role is suited to a commercially minded M&A professional with deep transaction experience who can operate independently, build trusted relationships with founders and advisers, and drive deals through to completion in a fast-paced, PE-backed environment.
Key Responsibilities- Deal Origination & Relationship Building
- Originate proprietary and intermediated acquisition opportunities across the financial services landscape.
- Build and maintain relationships with founders, management teams, advisers, and industry participants.
- Represent the business credibly in the market and articulate the group’s investment proposition.
- End-to-End Transaction Execution
- Lead full-cycle M&A processes from initial screening through to deal completion.
- Assess strategic fit, value creation potential, and transaction risks.
- Lead valuation, structuring, pricing, and commercial negotiations.
- Coordinate and manage all due diligence workstreams (financial, commercial, legal, regulatory, tax, HR, IT).
- Negotiate transaction documentation (NDAs, HoTs, SPAs, TSAs, employment and shareholder agreements) alongside legal advisers.
- Prepare and present materials for executive leadership, boards, and PE investment committees.
- Stakeholder Management
- Act as a trusted partner to the CEO, CFO, and senior leadership team.
- Work closely with private equity sponsors and investment teams.
- Manage external advisers including investment banks, accountants, lawyers, and consultants.
- Integration & Value Creation
- Support post-deal integration planning in collaboration with operational and functional leaders.
- Ensure transaction rationale translates into executable value creation initiatives.
- Track deal performance against original investment cases.
- Experience
- 10+ years’ M&A experience, gained in corporate development / in-house M&A, and/or investment banking / M&A advisory at senior level.
- Proven track record of leading full-cycle transactions from origination to completion.
- Experience within financial services (e.g. insurance, wealth management, lending, payments, fintech or adjacent regulated sectors).
- Prior exposure to PE-backed environments strongly preferred.
- Skills & Attributes
- Strong commercial judgement and deal instincts.
- Deep understanding of transaction mechanics, valuation, and deal structuring.
- Confident negotiator with the ability to engage credibly with founders and senior stakeholders.
- Highly organised, resilient, and comfortable operating in a high-volume, fast-moving deal environment.
- Low-ego, collaborative approach with the gravitas to operate at board and sponsor level.
- Hands-on mindset; comfortable owning deals end-to-end.
Location: London-based role. Regular interaction with senior leadership and PE sponsors. Occasional UK and international travel as required.
Corporate Development Lead employer: Phipps Cameron Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Phipps Cameron Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Development Lead
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend networking events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with someone in the field, make sure to highlight your M&A experience and successes. Share specific examples of deals you've led or contributed to, and how you navigated challenges. This will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the company and its recent deals before an interview. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in terms of deal execution and stakeholder management. Confidence and preparation can really set you apart!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through our site not only shows your interest but also helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Development Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your M&A experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in deal origination and execution!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Corporate Development Lead role. Share specific examples of your past successes in leading transactions and building relationships in the financial services sector.
Showcase Your Deal Experience: In your application, make sure to highlight your full-cycle M&A transaction experience. We’re looking for someone who can operate independently and drive deals through to completion, so give us the details on your most impressive deals!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Phipps Cameron Recruitment
✨Know Your M&A Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your M&A knowledge, especially around full-cycle transactions. Be ready to discuss specific deals you've led and the strategies you employed. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the process but have real hands-on experience.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Since relationship building is key in this role, try to connect with current or former employees of the company before your interview. This can give you insights into the company culture and help you articulate how you can fit into their team.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Expect questions about your negotiation tactics and how you handle high-pressure situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges in M&A deals. This will demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving skills.
✨Show Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss how you assess strategic fit and value creation potential in deals. Bring examples of how you've evaluated risks and made decisions that positively impacted previous transactions. This will highlight your strong commercial judgement.