Head of M&A (Execution Lead)
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
This is a hands-on execution role for an ambitious M&A professional who wants to move beyond advisory and take ownership of deals within a dynamic, fast-scaling group. You’ll be the engine that drives acquisitions from signed term sheet to completion — partnering directly with the CEO who leads strategy and origination.
About the job
Location: (HQ Borehamwood)
Permanent, Full-time
As Head of M&A (Execution Lead) You’ll be responsible for executing and managing multiple simultaneous acquisitions, ensuring each transaction is run professionally, efficiently, and delivers value. The CEO will continue to lead M&A strategy, pipeline development, and key external relationships. Your role is to run the process, drive the numbers, and ensure every deal closes cleanly and integrates smoothly.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Deal Execution
- Manage end-to-end acquisition processes, from heads of terms through due diligence, SPA negotiation, and completion.
- Coordinate advisors across financial, legal, tax, and commercial DD.
- Build valuation models, investment cases, and deal papers for Board sign-off.
- Manage transaction timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communication.
- Due Diligence Oversight
- Own financial due diligence coordination, liaising with external providers.
- Support customer DD and other bespoke review processes.
- Identify and flag key risks, working with the CFO and Chief Integration Officer to prepare mitigation plans.
- Integration Handover
- Prepare integration packs with deal thesis, synergy assumptions, and risks.
- Partner with the Chief Integration Officer to ensure a smooth post-close transition.
- Track deal performance vs. acquisition case during the first 90–180 days.
- Governance & Reporting
- Produce Board-ready materials on active transactions.
- Maintain the M&A pipeline dashboard and ensure clean handover to finance and integration.
- Liaise with lenders, ensuring DD and deal documentation meet funding requirements.
Skills and Experience Required as Head of M&A (Execution Lead)
- 3+ years’ experience in M&A, corporate finance, or transaction services.
- Proven track record in executing deals end-to-end, ideally in a PE-backed or acquisitive mid-market environment.
- Strong financial modelling and valuation skills.
- Organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
- Comfortable working closely with senior leadership and presenting to the Board.
- Ideally ACA-qualified or equivalent corporate finance background.