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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage acquisition pipelines for high-growth businesses across the UK.
- Company: Join two dynamic, PE-backed companies on an exciting buy-and-build journey.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, and flexible remote or hybrid work options.
- Why this job: Take ownership of M&A processes in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with significant impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with M&A experience and strong financial modelling skills required.
- Other info: UK-wide travel is necessary, with all expenses covered.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
We are partnering with two high-growth, PE-backed businesses on a buy-and-build journey, each seeking a Head of Corporate Development to lead and manage their acquisition pipeline across the UK. Reporting directly to the CFO (and working closely with the CEO and board), the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in identifying, evaluating, and executing strategic M&A opportunities that align with each business’s ambitious growth strategy. This is an ideal opportunity for an individual currently in a commercial M&A role within industry who is looking to take full ownership of the end-to-end acquisition lifecycle in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Originate and evaluate acquisition opportunities aligned with strategic growth plans.
- Own and lead the M&A process end-to-end: from deal sourcing and financial modelling to due diligence, valuation, negotiation, and integration planning.
- Develop and maintain relationships with advisors, brokers, and potential target businesses across the UK.
- Partner with senior leadership and the board to prepare investment cases and present recommendations.
- Manage deal execution, coordinating with legal, finance, and operational stakeholders.
- Track market activity and provide insights on trends, competitors, and potential targets.
- Contribute to post-deal integration planning, ensuring smooth operational alignment post-acquisition.
Profile Sought
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with a strong background in corporate finance, transaction services, or M&A advisory.
- Currently working in-house in a corporate development or M&A role within a business that is actively acquiring (preferably in the £1m–£2m EV range).
- Strong financial modelling, commercial acumen, and deal execution skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills able to influence at board level and work with founder-led businesses.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously.
- UK-wide travel flexibility as required (with all expenses covered).
Additional Information
- Location: One role is fully remote (UK-based). The other is hybrid (3 days in office / 2 days WFH). Both require national travel.
- Remuneration: Competitive base salary of £90,000–£110,000 plus annual bonus and participation in a long-term incentive plan (LTIP).
Head of Corporate Development employer: Radley Green
Contact Detail:
Radley Green Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the M&A space, especially those who have experience in corporate development. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the companies you’re applying to thoroughly. Understand their recent acquisitions, growth strategies, and market positioning. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past M&A experiences. Be ready to explain how you identified opportunities, managed the acquisition process, and contributed to successful integrations, as this will showcase your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your financial modelling skills and ability to influence stakeholders at a senior level. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these skills in previous roles to drive successful outcomes, as this is crucial for the Head of Corporate Development position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in corporate development and M&A. Focus on your achievements in deal sourcing, financial modelling, and stakeholder engagement, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of Corporate Development. Mention specific examples of past successes in M&A to demonstrate your capability.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your qualifications, such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA, prominently in your application. This will help establish your credibility and suitability for the role.
Showcase Your Strategic Insight: In your application, provide insights into market trends and competitor analysis that you've conducted in previous roles. This will show your ability to contribute to strategic discussions at the board level.
How to prepare for a job interview at Radley Green
✨Showcase Your M&A Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in M&A roles, particularly focusing on the end-to-end acquisition lifecycle. Highlight specific deals you've worked on, your role in them, and the outcomes achieved.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role requires strong financial modelling skills, be ready to explain your approach to financial analysis and valuation. Consider bringing examples of financial models you've created or used in past transactions.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
The ability to influence at board level is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships with senior stakeholders in the past, and be ready to provide examples of how you’ve navigated complex negotiations.
✨Research the Companies Thoroughly
Understand the businesses you are interviewing for, including their growth strategies and recent market activities. This will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in their corporate development goals.
