At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead M&A strategy, manage deal lifecycle, and negotiate with key stakeholders.
- Company: Rapidly expanding wealth management group backed by a leading Private Equity firm.
- Benefits: Lucrative equity participation, autonomy in decision-making, and high deal flow.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be the architect of expansion and make impactful strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: 8-12 years in M&A, strong negotiation skills, and wealth management knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 € per year.
Sector: Wealth Management / Financial Services
Location: London / Flexible (UK)
Reports to: CEO / CFO
Experience: 8–12 Years PQE
The Opportunity
Backed by a leading Private Equity firm, our client is a rapidly expanding wealth management group with a mandate to become a market leader through an aggressive "buy-and-build" strategy. Having already completed several successful acquisitions, the business is now seeking a Head of M&A to professionalise the function, accelerate the deal pipeline, and lead end-to-end execution. This is a pivotal hire for the C-suite, offering a clear path to significant equity participation and a seat at the table for all major strategic decisions.
The Role
As the Head of M&A, you will own the entire deal lifecycle—from initial market mapping and "coffee chats" with principals to the final SPA negotiations and handover to the integration team.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Strategy & Pipeline: Refine the group’s M&A strategy. Maintain a "living" database of targets within the UK wealth and IFA space.
- Origination: Build and leverage a network of brokers and industry contacts; however, you must be comfortable with direct origination and cold-outreach to business owners.
- Execution & Transaction Management: Lead the financial modelling, valuation, and due diligence processes. You will manage external advisors (legal, tax, FDD) to ensure deals remain on track and within budget.
- Stakeholder Management: Present investment papers and "Deep Dives" to the Board and PE investors. You will be the primary bridge between the business and its financial backers.
- Negotiation: Lead complex negotiations with sellers, often founders of boutiques, requiring a balance of commercial firmness and emotional intelligence.
The Candidate
We are looking for a high-performing professional who combines the "polish" of a top-tier advisor with the "pragmatism" of an in-house corporate development lead.
- Required Experience & Skills:
- 8–12 years of relevant experience. This likely includes a foundation in Investment Banking (FIG), Big 4 Lead Advisory, or a specialist M&A boutique, followed by a successful stint in a Corporate Development/M&A role.
- Wealth Management/FS Exposure: A deep understanding of recurring revenue models, AuM-based valuations, and the UK regulatory environment (FCA) is highly desirable.
- The "Hybrid" DNA: You possess the technical excellence to build a model from scratch but also the interpersonal skills to sit in a living room and convince a retiring IFA founder to trust you with their legacy.
- PE Mentality: Accustomed to the pace, reporting rigour, and "exit-centric" mindset of Private Equity.
Why This Role?
- Autonomy: You aren't just a cog in a machine; you are the architect of the group's expansion.
- Equity: Unlike traditional advisory roles, this position offers a lucrative "sweet equity" or management incentive plan (MIP) tied to the ultimate exit.
- Velocity: In a "highly acquisitive" environment, you will see more deal flow in 18 months than most see in 5 years.
Head of M&A (Ascend) employer: Phipps Cameron Recruitment
As a rapidly expanding wealth management group backed by a leading Private Equity firm, we offer an exceptional work environment in London that fosters autonomy and innovation. Our culture prioritises professional growth, providing clear pathways to equity participation and strategic involvement, making it an ideal place for high-performing individuals looking to make a significant impact in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of M&A (Ascend)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive in your approach. Don’t just wait for job postings to appear; reach out directly to companies you admire. A well-crafted email expressing your interest can go a long way in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent deals and their M&A strategy. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their growth and have ideas on how to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of M&A (Ascend)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of M&A role. Highlight your relevant experience in M&A, especially in wealth management or financial services. We want to see how your background aligns with our aggressive 'buy-and-build' strategy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for M&A and how your skills can help us professionalise our function. Don't forget to mention your understanding of the UK regulatory environment!
Showcase Your Network:Since building a network is key for this role, make sure to mention any relevant contacts you have in the industry. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about origination and can leverage their connections effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Phipps Cameron Recruitment
✨Know Your M&A Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and strategies in M&A, especially within the wealth management sector. Brush up on your knowledge of recurring revenue models and AuM-based valuations, as these will likely come up during discussions.
✨Showcase Your Network
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve built and leveraged your network of brokers and industry contacts. Share specific examples of how your connections have led to successful deals or opportunities, demonstrating your ability to originate business.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since negotiation is a key part of this role, think of examples where you've successfully navigated complex negotiations. Highlight your balance of commercial firmness and emotional intelligence, especially when dealing with founders or stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to talk about how you would refine the M&A strategy for the group. Think about what a 'living' database of targets looks like and be ready to present your ideas on maintaining a robust deal pipeline that aligns with the company's growth ambitions.
