At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead M&A processes, conduct market research, and identify acquisition targets to drive growth.
- Company: Join Zopa, a pioneering bank redefining finance with a customer-first approach since 2005.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, hybrid options, and the chance to work abroad for up to 120 days a year!
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of banking in a supportive and innovative culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in corporate development or M&A, strong analytical skills, and a passion for finance required.
- Other info: Zopa values diversity and offers a workplace free from discrimination, fostering a unique company culture.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our Story
Hello there. We’re Zopa. We started our journey back in 2005, building the first ever peer-to-peer lending company. Fast forward to 2020 and we launched Zopa Bank. A bank that listens to what our customers don’t like about finance and does the opposite. We’re redefining what it feels like to work in finance. Our vision for a new era of banking puts people front and centre — we’ve built a business that empowers everyone to aim high, every day, to move finance forward. We’re incredibly proud of our achievements and none of it would be possible without the amazing team here. It’s not just industry awards we’re winning, we’ve also been named in the top three UK’s Most Loved Workplaces. If you embrace unconventional challenges, are unafraid to think differently and are driven to make an outsized impact, you’ll thrive here at Zopa, so join us, and make it count.
This is a new role created in our Strategy Team which is at the heart of driving Zopa’s strategic direction. This includes leading and supporting the execution of inorganic growth strategy through acquisitions and other investment opportunities. This role is responsible for identifying and executing strategic acquisitions to drive growth and enhance our market position. We focus on sourcing potential acquisition targets, conducting thorough market research, and working closely with both senior leadership and external stakeholders to execute transactions. Our team plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our company by identifying and executing opportunities that align with our strategic goals.
A day in the life:
- Collaborate with the Strategy Director and be responsible for end-to-end M&A processes including sourcing, evaluating, due diligence, execution and integration phases.
- Track industry trends, conduct detailed market research on relevant markets and share regular insights with team members and stakeholders.
- Identify potential acquisition targets and analyse them to assess their strategic fit and value.
- Create financial models and develop valuations/scenario analysis.
- Prepare thoughtful presentations and reports for the leadership team.
- Build and nurture relationships with investment bankers/advisory firms as well as partner with them to execute transactions.
- Contribute to due diligence processes and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support post-merger integration activities to ensure a smooth and inclusive transition when needed.
About you:
- Experience in corporate development and M&A roles in investment banking/strategy consulting/private equity within the financial services industry.
- Solid analytical and technical abilities, particularly in financial modeling using Excel.
- Understanding of the UK and European banking and fintech industries.
- Creative problem solving and strategic thinking abilities.
- Ability to analyse complex financial data including financial tables and develop strategic insights.
- Understanding of banking regulations and their implications.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in diverse teams.
- Attentive to detail and well-organized, with the ability to balance multiple projects.
- Motivated and enthusiastic, with a commitment to achieving results.
We value flexible ways of working. We value face-to-face collaboration and a good work-life balance. This hybrid role requires you to come to our London office 2-3 days a week. You’ll also have the option of working from abroad for up to 120 days a year! But no matter where you are, we’ll make sure you’ve got everything you need to thrive, both in your work and home life, from day one.
Diversity Statement
Zopa is proud to offer a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to better products for our customers and a unique company culture for our people. We are made up of nearly 50 nationalities, have a DE&I forum made up of Zopians wanting to make a difference and we are proud of our culture where everyone can bring their full self to work. Our approach to DE&I is reflected in our hiring process so please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Corporate Development and M&A Manager employer: Zopa Bank Limited
Contact Detail:
Zopa Bank Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Development and M&A Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Zopa's unique approach to banking and their focus on customer-centric solutions. Understanding their mission and values will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the corporate development and M&A space, particularly those with experience in financial services. Engaging with industry experts can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in the UK and European banking and fintech industries. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will not only prepare you for discussions during interviews but also showcase your proactive approach to understanding the market.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past experiences in M&A or corporate development roles. Highlighting your analytical skills and successful projects will help you stand out as a candidate who can contribute effectively to Zopa's strategic goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Development and M&A Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in corporate development and M&A roles. Focus on your analytical skills, financial modelling expertise, and any specific achievements in the financial services industry that align with Zopa's needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for Zopa's mission and culture. Discuss how your background in investment banking or strategy consulting has prepared you for this role, and provide examples of how you've successfully executed M&A processes in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since the role requires solid analytical abilities, consider including a brief section in your application that outlines your experience with financial modelling and data analysis. Mention specific tools or methodologies you’ve used to derive strategic insights.
Highlight Relationship-Building Experience: Zopa values excellent communication and relationship-building skills. In your application, include examples of how you've collaborated with diverse teams or built relationships with external stakeholders, such as investment bankers or advisory firms.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zopa Bank Limited
✨Understand Zopa's Vision
Before your interview, make sure you grasp Zopa's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to finance and how they aim to redefine banking. This will help you align your answers with their vision and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your M&A Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in corporate development and M&A. Highlight specific projects where you sourced, evaluated, or executed acquisitions. Use concrete examples to illustrate your analytical skills and strategic thinking abilities.
✨Prepare Financial Models
Since the role requires strong financial modelling skills, brush up on your Excel capabilities. Be ready to discuss how you've created financial models in the past and how they informed decision-making processes. You might even be asked to walk through a model during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Zopa values collaboration and relationship-building. Think of examples where you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders, investment bankers, or advisory firms. Emphasise your communication skills and how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic.