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For Companies 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: Dynamic role with significant career growth and influence in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be the architect of expansion and make impactful strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: 8-12 years in M&A, investment banking, or corporate development with wealth management exposure.
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.
Contact Detail:
Phipps Cameron Recruitment Recruiting Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly 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 is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for M&A and how you can contribute to our growth. Be sure to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead complex negotiations and manage transactions.
Showcase Your Network: We value connections! In your application, mention any industry contacts or brokers you’ve worked with. This shows us you’re ready to hit the ground running and can leverage your network for direct origination.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this pivotal role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!