At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead integration of newly acquired businesses, ensuring smooth transitions and quick returns to normal operations.
- Company: Fast-growing, PE-backed professional services group with a focus on transformation and value creation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary based on skills and experience, with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of impactful change in a dynamic, people-led environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in post-acquisition integration and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: High-visibility role with a focus on building relationships and trust.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a fast-growing, PE-backed professional services group that is entering a critical phase of its buy-and-build journey. With multiple acquisitions planned each year and a step-change in integration expectations from investors, the business is now appointing a Head of Integrations to own one of the most important levers of value creation. This is not a technical programme role. It is a front-line leadership position in a high-pace, people-led environment.
The opportunity
Historically, acquisitions were integrated slowly and lightly. That approach no longer fits the scale, pace or ambition of the business. The mandate now is clear: move faster, integrate smarter and make acquisitions truly work. You will take ownership of integrations from completion through to full embedding, with a clear objective to bring businesses into the group more quickly and effectively. This is a highly visible role that combines delivery, influence and leadership presence.
You will be the person who:
- Acts as the face of the group to newly acquired businesses.
- Builds trust with founders and senior leaders while leading them through meaningful change.
- Brings structure and pace to integration without corporate bureaucracy.
- Ensures technical, regulatory and operational workstreams land successfully, while never losing sight of the people journey.
- Over time, builds and shapes a scalable integration capability, starting hands-on and growing a small, high-impact team.
You will spend time in the business, not just in meetings. This is a role for someone who enjoys being on the ground, in the room and in the detail.
What success looks like
- Acquired businesses return to business-as-usual quickly, with minimal distraction.
- Cost and efficiency synergies are realised earlier.
- People in acquired firms feel part of the group, not left behind once the deal is done.
- Senior executives are no longer required to personally manage relationships and firefight integration issues.
- Current and future investors have strong confidence in the organisation’s ability to scale through acquisition.
Who this will suit
This role is best suited to someone who has lived the reality of post-acquisition integration, not just planned it. You are likely to bring:
- A track record of leading multiple integrations in regulated, people-led environments.
- Experience in PE-backed or high-growth organisations, where pace, pragmatism and accountability matter.
- The credibility to work with business owners and senior leaders, balancing respect for legacy with the confidence to modernise.
- Strong project and change leadership, able to bring discipline and structure without becoming process-heavy.
- A highly developed stakeholder and relationship style. You influence through judgement and trust, not hierarchy.
- The resilience and flexibility to operate in a role that is high-visibility, people-centric and not 9-to-5.
Backgrounds from wealth management, financial services, insurance, legal, accountancy or other PE-backed professional services platforms will translate well; of critical importance is integration maturity and cultural intelligence.
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management
Head of Integration in London employer: Stanton House
Contact Detail:
Stanton House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Integration in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out to folks who are already in roles you aspire to. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by doing your homework. Research the company’s recent acquisitions and their integration strategies. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! In interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led integrations or managed change in previous roles. Highlight your ability to build trust and influence stakeholders, as this is crucial for the Head of Integration role.
✨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. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Integration in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity to lead integrations and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in post-acquisition integration. We’re looking for someone who has been in the trenches, so share specific examples of how you've successfully led integrations in similar environments.
Be Personable: Since this role is all about building relationships, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. We want to know how you connect with people and foster trust, especially with founders and senior leaders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stanton House
✨Know Your Integration Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of post-acquisition integration. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led integrations in fast-paced environments. This will show that you understand the challenges and can bring valuable insights to the table.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role is all about people, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to build trust and rapport with stakeholders. Share stories that highlight your relationship-building skills and how you've managed change effectively while keeping teams engaged and motivated.
✨Be Ready for Real-World Scenarios
Expect situational questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Think about how you would handle specific integration challenges, such as managing resistance from acquired teams or ensuring smooth transitions. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
This position requires a strong leadership presence, so be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy. Talk about how you balance structure with flexibility and how you empower teams to achieve their goals without getting bogged down in bureaucracy.