M&A Specalist

SUMMARY:
A leading financial services group is seeking a high-performing Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Specialist to support the execution of its strategic corporate development agenda. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the group’s growth strategy through acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures, across South Africa and the continent.

POSITION INFO:
You’ll be working at the intersection of strategy and execution, with responsibilities that span:

• Origination:
  • Drive the group’s strategic M&A pipeline in partnership with senior leadership
  • Build and manage key internal and external stakeholder relationships
  • Analyse market opportunities by business segment and geography
  • Evaluate preliminary business cases and perform valuations
• Execution:
  • Lead and oversee all phases of the deal lifecycle – from due diligence through to close
  • Structure and negotiate deal terms, manage bidding processes, and prepare final business cases
  • Liaise with legal and advisory teams, and ensure deal success through efficient execution and stakeholder alignment
• Governance:
  • Establish and manage deal teams
  • Ensure adherence to regulatory and internal control requirements
  • Manage internal approval processes and interface with Group Investment Committees
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Communicate effectively across all levels of the organisation
  • Work closely with internal stakeholders and external advisors to ensure high-quality execution
  • Build collaborative, trust-based relationships across the business

• CA(SA) or equivalent preferred (alternatives considered based on experience)
• Minimum 4 years post-qualification in investment banking, corporate finance, transaction services, or private equity (5+ years preferred)
• Exposure to cross-border M&A and African markets a plus

• Strong financial modelling, valuation, and deal execution expertise
• Confident communicator with negotiation experience
• Strategic thinker with a meticulous attention to detail
• Resilient, solutions-oriented, and collaborative in approach
• Experience in banking and/or insurance M&A is highly advantageous