At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex M&A transactions and advise clients on risk allocation.
- Company: Join WTW's leading UK M&A Transactional Risk team.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and influence outcomes in a fast-paced deal environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in M&A or transactional risk markets is essential.
- Other info: Mentor junior team members and drive business development initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Join WTW’s leading UK M&A Transactional Risk team as an Associate Director specialising in Warranty & Indemnity (W&I) insurance. In this senior role, you will lead complex UK and cross‑border transactions, advise private equity and corporate clients on risk allocation, and drive the placement of W&I solutions in a fast‑paced deal environment. This is an opportunity to shape strategy, influence outcomes, and play a key role in the continued growth of WTW’s transactional risk practice.
The Role
- Lead strategic relationships across the M&A community, including private equity sponsors, corporates, law firms, and financial advisers, acting as a trusted senior advisor.
- Act as the senior deal lead on transactional risk placements, managing the full lifecycle from scoping to binding.
- Oversee and interpret detailed due‑diligence materials to identify transactional risks and design tailored W&I, tax liability, and contingent risk insurance solutions.
- Provide strategic advice to clients on risk allocation, deal structuring, and market positioning.
- Drive complex negotiations with insurers to secure enhanced coverage, bespoke policy wording, and commercially aligned outcomes for clients.
- Cultivate strong partnerships with underwriters across London and international markets monitoring underwriting appetite, insurer capabilities, and emerging trends in the UK and global transactional risk markets.
- Identify and engage key decision‑makers within client organisations, building long‑term, revenue‑generating relationships.
- Collaborate with WTW colleagues across the UK and globally, ensuring seamless cross‑border execution and alignment with FINEX initiatives.
- Mentor and develop junior team members, contributing to capability building and knowledge sharing across the practice.
- Lead business development initiatives, including pitch leadership, market mapping, and thought‑leadership contributions.
Qualifications
What you’ll bring
- Legal, corporate finance, or M&A‑related professional background strongly advantageous.
- Relevant UK regulatory licences and permissions as required.
Experience
- Significant experience in the UK M&A or transactional risk market, ideally within W&I, tax liability, or contingent risk insurance.
- Demonstrated success in business development, including originating, converting, and managing opportunities.
- Proven project leadership capability with the ability to manage multiple high‑pressure transactions simultaneously.
- Experience working in collaborative, cross‑functional teams within fast‑paced deal environments.
- Advanced negotiation, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with a commercial mindset.
- Exceptional communication abilities, including presenting to senior stakeholders and articulating complex concepts clearly.
- Strong business development acumen with a track record of building influential networks.
Skills
- Inclusive leadership and facilitation skills, fostering collaboration and high performance.
What we offer
Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. You will receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company. We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle‑to‑work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more. Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidate.helpdesk@wtwco.com.
FINEX Mergers & Acquisitions Associate Director employer: Willis Towers Watson
Contact Detail:
Willis Towers Watson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FINEX Mergers & Acquisitions Associate Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the M&A community! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with someone from WTW or any other firm, make sure to highlight your experience in W&I and transactional risk. Share specific examples of how you've led complex deals or navigated tricky negotiations – it’ll show you’re the real deal!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on WTW and their approach to M&A. Be ready to discuss current trends in the market and how you can contribute to their growth. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and the specifics of the role – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at WTW.
We think you need these skills to ace FINEX Mergers & Acquisitions Associate Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the M&A sector. Highlight your relevant achievements in transactional risk, W&I insurance, and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about M&A and how your background makes you the perfect fit for the Associate Director role. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since this role involves complex negotiations, be sure to include examples of successful negotiations you've led. This will demonstrate your capability to secure enhanced coverage and bespoke policy wording.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Towers Watson
✨Know Your M&A Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in M&A, especially around Warranty & Indemnity insurance. Familiarise yourself with recent deals and be ready to discuss how you can add value in complex transactions.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've secured enhanced coverage or tailored solutions. Highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your capability to manage high-pressure transactions.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to cultivate strong partnerships. Be ready to share experiences where you've engaged key decision-makers and built long-term relationships within the M&A community.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating complex concepts in a straightforward manner. You might be asked to present to senior stakeholders, so ensure you can convey your ideas clearly and confidently, showcasing your exceptional communication abilities.