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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.
Head of Corporate Development x 2
£90,000 – £110,000 base + bonus + LTIP
Location: Remote (UK-based) and Hybrid
Travel Required: UK-wide (as required for acquisitions)
Retained Search by Radley Green
The Opportunity
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 strategically within the M&A community. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences where you can meet professionals in corporate development and private equity. Building relationships with key players can lead to insider knowledge about opportunities and potentially a direct referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on market trends and competitor activities. Regularly read industry reports and news articles related to M&A in your target sectors. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to understanding the landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific deals you've worked on in detail. Be ready to explain your role in the acquisition process, the challenges faced, and how you overcame them. This will showcase your hands-on experience and ability to manage complex transactions.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the companies you're applying to. Research their recent acquisitions, growth strategies, and market positioning. Tailoring your discussions around their specific needs and how you can contribute will make you stand out as a candidate.
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: Since the role requires a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA), ensure you prominently display your qualifications and any relevant certifications. This will help establish your credibility right from the start.
Showcase Your Strategic Insight: In your application, emphasise your ability to track market activity and provide insights on trends and competitors. This is crucial for the role, so include examples of how you've successfully identified and evaluated acquisition opportunities in the past.
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 roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The ability to influence at board level is crucial. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships with senior leadership and external advisors in previous positions, showcasing your communication skills.
✨Research the Companies
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.
