At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead buy-side and sell-side SS M&A transactions, develop innovative solutions for clients in distress.
- Company: Join a leading advisory firm known for its impactful Special Situations M&A practice in London.
- Benefits: Opportunity to work on complex, high-stakes transactions with tangible impact.
- Other info: Leadership experience is essential for mentoring a team of finance professionals.
- Why this job: This role offers variety and the chance to solve higher-stakes problems in M&A.
- Qualifications: Strong M&A background with exposure to special situations or a desire to transition into it.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Are you a corporate finance professional ready to step out of traditional M&A and into one of a dynamic, intellectually stimulating and impactful corner of the market? We're working with a leading, highly regarded advisory firm to find an exceptional Associate Director or Director to join their growing Special Situations M&A practice in London. This is a rare opportunity to bring your transactional skillset into an environment where no two deals are the same — and where the work genuinely matters and the impact is tangible.
What makes this different from vanilla M&A? You'll be advising businesses and stakeholders navigating complexity — distressed sales, accelerated M&A processes, lender‑side mandates, and insolvency‑linked transactions. This alongside more traditional M&A advisory mandates. The pace is faster, the challenges are deeper, and the impact is real. If you've ever felt constrained by the predictability of traditional deal flow, this is both the antidote and the opportunity to derive more value.
The Opportunity:
- Lead buy‑side and sell‑side SS M&A transactions end‑to‑end
- Develop innovative solutions for clients facing financial complexity and/or distress
- Conduct financial analysis, valuation, and due diligence on distressed businesses
- Identify value and opportunity across a variety of deals
- Coordinate with legal and financial advisors across varied processes
- Build and nurture senior client relationships and learning to win new business and contribute to the growth of the practice
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of talented finance professionals.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Strong M&A background, ideally with some exposure to special situations, restructuring, or distressed contexts — or a clear appetite to make that move
- Proven track record of managing complex transactions from inception to completion
- Sharp financial modelling and analytical skills
- Excellent communicator and natural relationship builder
- Leadership experience and a genuine desire to develop those around you
- Professional services background essential
A note for those coming from traditional M&A: You don't need a career built entirely in special situations to be the right fit. Our client values sharp transactional minds with the curiosity and resilience to thrive in more complex, fast‑moving environments. If you're an M&A professional looking for greater variety, higher‑stakes problem solving, and a platform to build a genuinely differentiated career — we'd love to hear from you.
Director- Special Situations/M&A employer: Stonebridge Executive Search
At Stonebridge, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions professional growth and development within the financial advisory sector. Our collaborative work culture, combined with top-tier mentorship from industry leaders, ensures that you will be well-supported as you navigate exciting challenges and opportunities in a dynamic environment. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive rewards and a commitment to fostering talent, making us the ideal place for driven individuals seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
Contact Details:
Stonebridge Executive Search Recruitment Team
