Strategy and Business Development Manager (M&A)

TL;DR

Strategy and Business Development Manager (M&A): Identifying and progressing new growth opportunities through mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships with an accent on commercial due diligence and investment case development. Focus on leading transaction workstreams, financial modelling, and delivering high-quality recommendations to the Executive and Board.

Location: Hybrid in London (minimum two days per week in the office)

Salary: £79,100 - £93,600

Company

The largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, dedicated to advancing education.

What you will do

• Lead M&A and partnership workstreams, managing due diligence and financial analysis in collaboration with Finance, Legal, and external advisers.
• Identify and shape potential acquisition and partnership opportunities aligned with the group's diversification strategy.
• Develop robust business cases, valuation models, and investment logic to support strategic decision-making.
• Draft high-quality papers and presentations for the Executive Team and Board of Trustees.
• Coordinate a virtual team of functional specialist leads to oversee the delivery of new opportunity development.

Requirements

• Strong experience in M&A, corporate development, transaction advisory, or strategy roles.
• Deep understanding of the end-to-end M&A process, including negotiation support and due diligence.
• Proven capability in financial modelling and translating complex analysis into compelling recommendations.
• Confidence in influencing senior stakeholders and preparing materials for Board audiences.
• Must be based in or able to work hybrid in London (minimum 2 days/week in office).

Nice to have

• Experience operating within regulated environments.
• Exposure to education, skills, assessment, or adjacent markets.
• Experience supporting M&A transactions through to completion.

Culture & Benefits

• 35-hour working week with flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30), plus Christmas closure days.
• Excellent pension scheme with up to 11.5% employer contribution.
• High-impact role with direct exposure to business-critical strategic programs.