M&A Associate

M&A AssociateReporting to: Head of M&ASalary Range: GBP 60,000 - 80,000 + bonusWe are a highly acquisitive international aviation MRO group, targeting multiple acquisitions per year.We are looking for an ambitious M&A Associate to support transactions from initial assessment through due diligence, execution and post-acquisition integration. This is a hands-on role with direct exposure to senior management, acquired businesses and multiple live deals.The role is based in London 2-3 days per week and involves regular international travel, typically 1-2 weeks per month.Key ResponsibilitiesTransactions

• Assess acquisition opportunities, strategic fit, risks and value-creation potential.
• Build financial models, valuations, forecasts and investment cases.
• Analyse revenue, margins, earnings quality, working capital, net debt, capex and cash conversion.
• Coordinate advisers, internal stakeholders, data rooms, diligence trackers and transaction timetables.
• Translate diligence findings into valuation, deal terms, completion actions and integration priorities.
• Support offers, approval papers, negotiations and completion planning.
• Work directly with the Head of M&A across multiple live transactions at the same time.

Integration and Performance

• Support longer-term integration plans across finance, operations, commercial and IT.
• Coordinate workstreams between acquired management teams and group functions.
• Track integration milestones, risks, business plans and corrective actions.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and monthly performance reviews.
• Help strengthen financial controls, processes and operational performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve growth, profitability and cash generation.
• Take increasing ownership of integration and performance-improvement workstreams.

Candidate ProfileWe are looking for a proactive, commercially minded candidate with 1-3 years' experience in financial due diligence, transaction services, operational consulting or a similar environment.You will be:

• Analytically strong and comfortable working with financial and operational data.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple workstreams.
• Commercial, curious and willing to challenge assumptions.
• A clear communicator with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable in a fast-moving, hands-on environment.

Prior experience leading transactions or integrations is not required. This job is for someone looking for direct coaching from the Head of M&A, with responsibility increasing as your experience develops.You may have experience of the following: M&A Associate, Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate Finance, Transaction Services, Financial Due Diligence, Commercial Due Diligence, Investment Analysis, Financial Modelling, Financial Modelling, Valuation, Business Valuation, Investment Appraisal, Deal Execution, Deal Origination, Acquisitions, Buy and Build, Private Equity, PE-backed, Investment Banking, Corporate DevelopmentREF-