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We are seeking a dynamic and experienced M&A Lead (UK) to join our team and play a pivotal role in driving our ambitious growth strategy. This position is based at our Support Office, with travel to service sites and industry meetings as required. Reporting to the Growth Director, with a dotted line to Group M&A and close collaboration with the UK CEO/CFO, this role is integral to delivering our buy-and-build strategy. We are a private equity-backed, multi-site branded organisation with a strong focus on delivering high-quality services and ambitious expansion plans. Operating across nearly 100 locations nationwide, we aim to grow our presence to over 130 settings through both organic development and strategic acquisitions. If you are a commercially curious, self-directed professional with a passion for mergers and acquisitions, we invite you to join our team and contribute to our vision of delivering exceptional services across the UK.

Responsibilities

• Deal Origination & Pipeline Development: Build and maintain a high-quality acquisition pipeline aligned with UK growth priorities. Develop and nurture relationships with brokers, advisors, and operators. Proactively source off-market acquisition opportunities. Represent the organisation as a credible and committed buyer in the market.
• Opportunity Assessment: Analyse industry dynamics, including growth trends, competitor activity, and regional demand. Evaluate fundamentals, financial performance, and operational indicators of potential targets. Build robust financial models and valuation analyses. Prepare clear and concise investment papers to support decision-making.
• Transaction Execution: Assist in negotiating letters of intent, purchase agreements (SPA, APA), and ancillary documents in collaboration with senior management and advisers. Support negotiation strategies alongside senior stakeholders. Coordinate internal and external due diligence across legal, finance, property, and operations. Assist in the preparation and review of transaction documentation.
• Integration Support: Project manage early integration efforts in partnership with functional leaders. Ensure alignment between the investment thesis and operational transition plans.
• Market Intelligence: Maintain up-to-date insights into valuation multiples and sector activity. Track emerging operators and identify potential consolidation opportunities.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels through structured analysis and high-quality presentations. Collaborate closely with Group M&A to align on best practices and governance.

Qualifications

Ideal Experience: 4–7 years of experience in Corporate Finance, Transaction Services, Deals Advisory, Private Equity support, or Corporate Development. Strong financial modelling and valuation analysis skills. Proven experience in supporting or leading transaction processes. Comfortable engaging with external stakeholders, including brokers and advisors. Familiarity with legal documentation negotiation (e.g., SPA/APA, disclosure schedules, leases).

Highly Advantageous: Experience in buy-and-build strategies. Background in multi-site consumer, education, services, healthcare, or hospitality sectors. Professional qualifications such as ACA, CFA, or equivalent.

Personal Characteristics: Commercially curious with strong business intuition. Self-directed and comfortable operating with autonomy. Analytical yet pragmatic in approach. Strong relationship-building skills. Resilient and focused on delivering results.

Day-to-Day: Proactively identify and assess acquisition opportunities that align with our growth strategy. Build and maintain relationships with brokers, advisors, and operators. Conduct detailed financial analyses and prepare investment cases for senior leadership. Collaborate with internal teams and external advisers to execute transactions efficiently. Support the integration of newly acquired service businesses to ensure seamless transitions. Stay informed on market trends, competitor activity, and valuation benchmarks. Represent the organisation at industry meetings and events to enhance market presence.

Benefits: Competitive salary and performance-based incentives. Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, growth-focused environment. Professional development and career progression opportunities. Collaborative and supportive team culture. Flexible working arrangements, including travel to service sites and industry events. The chance to make a meaningful impact on the growth and success of a leading organisation in the sector.

If you are a driven and experienced M&A professional looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic and growing organisation, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join our team and help shape the future of our business!