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
The firm is located in London and is highly regarded for its expertise in Special Situations M&A. Employees benefit from working on diverse and impactful transactions, fostering professional growth in a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
Stonebridge Executive Search Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director- Special Situations/M&A
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Director- Special Situations/M&A at Stonebridge Executive Search!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Stonebridge Executive Search or be willing to refer you for that Director- Special Situations/M&A position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Stonebridge Executive Search who’s on the lookout for their next Director- Special Situations/M&A star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Director- Special Situations/M&A role at Stonebridge Executive Search!
We think you need these skills to ace Director- Special Situations/M&A
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Stonebridge Executive Search. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stonebridge Executive Search
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Stonebridge Executive Search. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
