Head of Mergers and Acquisitions

Sector: Professional Services (Private Equity backed)

Overview

The business is a Private Equity backed fast-growing professional services organisation pursuing an active acquisition strategy to accelerate growth, expand capabilities, and enter new markets. We are seeking an experienced Head of M&A to lead the full lifecycle of mergers and acquisitions, from target identification through to transaction execution and handover into integration.

This is a highly visible role, working closely with the executive team, shareholders, and external advisors, with full accountability for deal delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the executive team to define and execute the M&A strategy in line with growth objectives
• Identify, screen, and prioritise acquisition targets across relevant service lines and geographies
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of potential opportunities

Transaction Execution (End-to-End Ownership)

• Lead all stages of the deal process from initial engagement to completion
• Manage commercial negotiations, valuation, and deal structuring
• Coordinate and oversee financial, legal, commercial, and operational due diligence
• Act as the central point of contact for internal stakeholders and external advisors (investment banks, lawyers, accountants, consultants)
• Prepare and present investment papers, business cases, and recommendations to senior leadership and shareholders

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Proven experience leading end-to-end M&A transactions, ideally within professional services, consultancy, or adjacent sectors
• Background in corporate development, private equity, investment banking, or transaction services
• Strong track record of independently running multiple deals in parallel

Skills & Attributes

• Strong commercial judgement and negotiation skills
• Ability to operate credibly with senior executives, founders, and investors
• Highly structured, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating in fast-paced environments
• Excellent financial and strategic analysis capability
• Pragmatic, hands-on approach with a strong ownership mindset

Why Join

• Opportunity to shape and lead the M&A agenda in a growing, acquisitive business
• High exposure to senior leadership and shareholders
• Significant impact on long-term value creation and strategic direction