Manager – Manchester

Shaw & Co is a leading corporate finance advisory firm with a strong reputation for providing expert financial solutions and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs and owner managers of businesses across various industries. Our purpose is to assist our clients in achieving their financial objectives and maximizing value through mergers, acquisitions, and funding solutions and the ultimate realisation of their business interests. Our track record includes transacting with the likes of Unilever, Vodafone, Groupon and Michelin to name a few. As a forward-thinking firm, we are continuously expanding our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

Working in our Deal Delivery team, you will be a hands-on transaction manager who owns discrete workstreams on mid-market M&A and funding mandates with only light supervision from our director team. Bringing over 4 years’ corporate finance experience, you will be a day-to-day client manager turning objectives into clear plans, maintaining momentum from deal preparation through managing diligence to negotiation and completion, and safeguarding quality and risk management throughout. You will scope, plan and deliver high impact outputs (e.g. IMs, financial models, buyer/investor engagement, data room and diligence coordination), while anticipating issues, simplifying complexity, and keeping all stakeholders aligned. You will set the pace for a small team, delegating effectively to Assistant Managers and Executives, coaching for excellence, and upholding best practice in how we run processes. Alongside delivery, you’ll grow your personal brand and our presence through networking and relationship development. You will contribute to the pipeline by building trusted client and market relationships. Above all, you’ll exemplify our values - Make it happen, Strive for better, Do the right thing - in every interaction.

DEAL DELIVERY

• Own transaction workstreams. Scope, plan and deliver discrete elements of M&A and funding processes—IM drafting, financial modelling/review, buyer/investor engagement lists, data room build and diligence coordination—on time and to spec.
• Produce high-quality outputs. Go further than just delivering outputs, challenge yourself and the team to deliver industry leading quality and insights.
• Ensure all documents that leave your desk enhance the reputation of the firm, are consistent, compelling and on brand.
• Project-manage momentum. Maintain a clear plan, critical path and issues log; anticipate blockers and drive actions, keeping the Director sighted on decisions and risks.
• Coordinate with clients as well as legal, tax and other advisers to deliver tightly controlled project plans.
• Run controlled outreach. Execute structured buyer/investor and lender approaches, manage Q&A and ensure accurate contact/interaction records.
• Be a controlled, accurate and highly professional point of contact on behalf of our clients.
• Support negotiations. Prepare analysis, options and papers to inform valuation, structure and key terms.

CLIENT & RISK

• Be the day-to-day client lead. Set agendas, manage expectations and communicate progress and issues with clarity; build trust as the first call for the client team.
• Quality assurance. Enforce Shaw & Co templates and standards; check numerical integrity, narrative consistency and data accuracy before anything leaves the door.
• Risk & compliance. Protect confidentiality and manage approvals, file hygiene and audit trails; follow firm policies on compliance and risk management.
• Issue management. Identify emerging risks early, propose options with impacts/mitigations and secure decisions promptly.
• Identify and mitigate client risk and misunderstanding, be ahead of any problems.

PEOPLE & IMPROVEMENT

• Be a leader. Delegate effectively to Assistant Managers and Executives, set clear briefs and standards, review outputs and coach for performance and development.
• Take personal pride in the development of those around you, be seen as a “go to” member of the team.
• Be ambitious. Seek personal development and improvement opportunities.
• Look to widen your own experience and progress your career in parallel with the firms ambitions to grow nationally.
• Codify best practice. Improve playbooks, templates and checklists; share deal learnings and sector insights to raise delivery quality across the team.
• Data & tooling discipline. Maintain CRM hygiene and leverage approved technology (including AI) to enhance speed, analysis and quality of outputs; report basic delivery KPIs.
• Market presence. Support brand building through targeted networking, events and content input aligned to priority sectors and post deal marketing.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 4 years’ experience in corporate finance (excludes transaction services), within a professional services environment.
• Exposure to mid-market transactions (£5m–£100m EV).
• ACA, ACCA, CFA or equivalent professional qualification.
• Demonstrable track record of managing discrete elements of M&A or funding transactions with light supervision.
• Strong technical skills in financial analysis, modelling, and valuation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality client-facing documents (e.g. IMs, process letters, presentations).
• Experience leading client relationships and acting as day-to-day point of contact.
• Proven ability to delegate, supervise, and develop junior team members.
• Highly organised, with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple workstreams to tight deadlines.
• Commercial acumen and sound judgement in identifying and managing risks.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and comfortable adopting new technology (including AI tools).
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality.
• Experience working on both buy-side and sell-side mandates.
• Familiarity with data room management and due diligence processes.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring, or line management.
• Network of relevant contacts in the corporate finance market.
• Experience using CRM systems and deal management tools.
• Knowledge of Shaw & Co’s priority sectors or previous experience in a sector-led advisory role.
• Experience contributing to business development, marketing, or thought leadership.

REWARD

• PRR1 (up to 10% of basic) & PRR2 (profit share) bonus participation.
• Equity Incentive through company EMI scheme.

LOCATION

Hybrid option working up to 2 days per week from home/alternative location with line manager approval.

If you would like to apply for this position please send your CV and cover letter to careers@shawcorporatefinance.com (or use the button below). Please use ‘Manager Manchester' in the email subject.