Overview

A leading, PE-backed UK financial services platform is seeking a high-calibre strategic professional to play a central role in the development and delivery of its Group Strategy.

Working closely with the CEO, CFO, Head of Strategy and shareholders, this is a highly visible role with exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to influence long-term growth initiatives, including corporate development and M&A activity.

The role blends strategic planning, value creation execution, corporate development support and investor engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the ongoing development, monitoring and delivery of the Group Strategy and Value Creation Plan.

• Provide strategic oversight and analytical support to the CEO, CFO and Head of Strategy on major corporate priorities.

• Contribute to Corporate Development initiatives, including external M&A activity (screening, evaluation, execution support).

• Work closely with the shareholder group on both specific projects and general relationship management.

• Prepare materials for Board and Executive discussions.

• Act as a trusted analytical partner to senior leadership, providing insight and constructive challenge.

• Lead and deliver ad-hoc strategic projects independently.

• Monitor competitive and market dynamics to inform corporate strategy.

Candidate Profile

We are open to candidates from a range of backgrounds, including:

• Corporate Development

• Strategy / Transaction Advisory

• Investment Banking

• Top-tier consulting or professional services

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree educated (essential)

• Professional qualification such as ACA, CFA or similar preferred

• Experience in financial services (wealth, advice, insurance, asset management or related sectors) advantageous

• Exposure to Corporate Development / M&A preferred

Location

• Swindon (preferred) / London - Hybrid (3x in office)

Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and financial modelling capability

• Strategic thinker with ability to simplify complex topics

• Confident communicator at executive level

• Able to work autonomously and take ownership

• Commercially aware and comfortable operating in a PE-backed environment

• Diplomatic, discreet and highly professional

• Organised and capable of managing multiple workstreams

Job Advertisement: M&A Lead (UK)

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced M&A Lead (UK) to join our team and play a pivotal role in driving our ambitious growth strategy. This position is based at our Support Office, with travel to service sites and industry meetings as required. Reporting to the Growth Director, with a dotted line to Group M&A and close collaboration with the UK CEO/CFO, this role is integral to delivering our buy-and-build strategy.

We are a private equity-backed, multi-site branded organisation with a strong focus on delivering high-quality services and ambitious expansion plans. Operating across nearly 100 locations nationwide, we aim to grow our presence to over 130 settings through both organic development and strategic acquisitions.

If you are a commercially curious, self-directed professional with a passion for mergers and acquisitions, we invite you to join our team and contribute to our vision of delivering exceptional services across the UK.

Responsibilities

Deal Origination & Pipeline Development

• Build and maintain a high-quality acquisition pipeline aligned with UK growth priorities.
• Develop and nurture relationships with brokers, advisors, and operators.
• Proactively source off-market acquisition opportunities.
• Represent the organisation as a credible and committed buyer in the market.

Opportunity Assessment

• Analyse industry dynamics, including growth trends, competitor activity, and regional demand.
• Evaluate fundamentals, financial performance, and operational indicators of potential targets.
• Build robust financial models and valuation analyses.
• Prepare clear and concise investment papers to support decision-making.

Transaction Execution

• Assist in negotiating letters of intent, purchase agreements (SPA, APA), and ancillary documents in collaboration with senior management and advisers.
• Support negotiation strategies alongside senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal and external due diligence across legal, finance, property, and operations.
• Assist in the preparation and review of transaction documentation.

Integration Support

• Project manage early integration efforts in partnership with functional leaders.
• Ensure alignment between the investment thesis and operational transition plans.

Market Intelligence

• Maintain up-to-date insights into valuation multiples and sector activity.
• Track emerging operators and identify potential consolidation opportunities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels through structured analysis and high-quality presentations.
• Collaborate closely with Group M&A to align on best practices and governance.

Qualifications

Ideal Experience

• 4–7 years of experience in Corporate Finance, Transaction Services, Deals Advisory, Private Equity support, or Corporate Development.
• Strong financial modelling and valuation analysis skills.
• Proven experience in supporting or leading transaction processes.
• Comfortable engaging with external stakeholders, including brokers and advisors.
• Familiarity with legal documentation negotiation (e.g., SPA/APA, disclosure schedules, leases).

Highly Advantageous

• Experience in buy-and-build strategies.
• Background in multi-site consumer, education, services, healthcare, or hospitality sectors.
• Professional qualifications such as ACA, CFA, or equivalent.

Personal Characteristics

• Commercially curious with strong business intuition.
• Self-directed and comfortable operating with autonomy.
• Analytical yet pragmatic in approach.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Resilient and focused on delivering results.

Day-to-Day

• Proactively identify and assess acquisition opportunities that align with our growth strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with brokers, advisors, and operators.
• Conduct detailed financial analyses and prepare investment cases for senior leadership.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external advisers to execute transactions efficiently.
• Support the integration of newly acquired service businesses to ensure seamless transitions.
• Stay informed on market trends, competitor activity, and valuation benchmarks.
• Represent the organisation at industry meetings and events to enhance market presence.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, growth-focused environment.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Flexible working arrangements, including travel to service sites and industry events.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on the growth and success of a leading organisation in the sector.

If you are a driven and experienced M&A professional looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic and growing organisation, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join our team and help shape the future of our business!

Job Description: Head of M&A

Title: Head of M&A
Location: Flexible (monthly in-person meetings)
Reports To: CEO and CFO

Summary

As the Head of M&A, you will lead the development and execution of our M&A strategy to build a leading European IFS partner platform. With a hands-on and strategic mindset, you will identify acquisition opportunities, manage end-to-end deal processes, and oversee integrations, aligning with the company's international buy-and-build growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

M&A Leadership

• Define and execute M&A strategies to support international growth.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of strategic acquisition opportunities.
• Work closely with the leadership team to ensure alignment with business goals.

Deal Sourcing and Due Diligence

• Source acquisition targets by engaging brokers, intermediaries, and key networks.
• Lead comprehensive due diligence across financial, legal, operational, and commercial areas.
• Conduct financial modeling, valuations, and assessments of acquisitions' strategic fit and impact.

Negotiation and Execution

• Negotiate key deal terms and manage transaction documentation in collaboration with advisors.

Post-Merger Integration (PMI)

• Develop and implement integration plans for acquired businesses, ensuring operational cohesion and a seamless transition.

Ideal Candidate

Experience

• 5+ years of M&A, corporate development, or investment banking experience, ideally in private equity or IT services/software sectors.
• Proven track record of successfully driving M&A activities from sourcing to execution.
• Strong knowledge of post-merger integration processes.

Skills and Qualities

• Strategic Thinker: Analytical skills with strong financial modeling and business evaluation expertise.
• Negotiator: Excellent communication and negotiation skills to manage deals while fostering positive relationships.
• Leader: Collaborative, hands-on approach with the ability to guide cross-functional teams and deliver results.
• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in German and English; other languages are a plus.
• Self-Starter: High level of independence, adaptability, and resilience to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Why Join Us

• Be part of an ambitious leadership team building a European IT services leader.
• Flexible work environment with monthly in-person meetings.
• Competitive compensation, including performance-based incentives.
• Opportunities for professional growth and impactful leadership.

Apply now to make a transformative impact as our Head of M&A!

M&A Manager – Buy-and-Build Platform (UK)

A high-growth, private equity-backed technology platform is seeking an M&A Manager to join its UK team and support an active acquisition programme across IT services and managed services businesses.

The group has completed dozens acquisitions to date, generating near €500m revenue and employing staff across Europe, with significant expansion planned in the UK market.

This is a unique opportunity to join early in the UK expansion and play a key role in sourcing, executing and closing acquisitions within a professional, high-deal-flow environment.

Responsibilities

• Support full deal lifecycle from origination through to completion

• Source and engage acquisition targets and build a pipeline

• Develop relationships with founders, advisors and intermediaries

• Conduct financial analysis, valuation and investment assessments

• Coordinate due diligence and prepare investment materials

• Support negotiations and transaction execution

Requirements

• 5–8 years’ experience in M&A, Transaction Services, Corporate Finance or Private Equity

• Strong financial modelling and valuation skills

• Experience analysing financial statements and business performance

• Commercial mindset with strong stakeholder engagement ability

• Highly motivated, hands-on and execution focused

Offer

• Competitive base salary and bonus

• High deal exposure and career progression

• Opportunity to join a fast-growing, acquisitive platform

• Collaborative and entrepreneurial culture

Location: United Kingdom (hybrid working)

Head of M&A

Sector: Wealth Management / Financial Services

Location: London / Flexible (UK)

Reports to: CEO / CFO

Experience: 8–12 Years PQE

The Opportunity

Backed by a leading Private Equity firm, our client is a rapidly expanding wealth management group with a mandate to become a market leader through an aggressive "buy-and-build" strategy. Having already completed several successful acquisitions, the business is now seeking a Head of M&A to professionalise the function, accelerate the deal pipeline, and lead end-to-end execution.

This is a pivotal hire for the C-suite, offering a clear path to significant equity participation and a seat at the table for all major strategic decisions.

The Role

As the Head of M&A, you will own the entire deal lifecycle—from initial market mapping and "coffee chats" with principals to the final SPA negotiations and handover to the integration team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy & Pipeline: Refine the group’s M&A strategy. Maintain a "living" database of targets within the UK wealth and IFA space.

• Origination: Build and leverage a network of brokers and industry contacts; however, you must be comfortable with direct origination and cold-outreach to business owners.

• Execution & Transaction Management: Lead the financial modelling, valuation, and due diligence processes. You will manage external advisors (legal, tax, FDD) to ensure deals remain on track and within budget.

• Stakeholder Management: Present investment papers and "Deep Dives" to the Board and PE investors. You will be the primary bridge between the business and its financial backers.

• Negotiation: Lead complex negotiations with sellers, often founders of boutiques, requiring a balance of commercial firmness and emotional intelligence.

The Candidate

We are looking for a high-performing professional who combines the "polish" of a top-tier advisor with the "pragmatism" of an in-house corporate development lead.

Required Experience & Skills:

• 8–12 years of relevant experience. This likely includes a foundation in Investment Banking (FIG), Big 4 Lead Advisory, or a specialist M&A boutique, followed by a successful stint in a Corporate Development/M&A role.

• Wealth Management/FS Exposure: A deep understanding of recurring revenue models, AuM-based valuations, and the UK regulatory environment (FCA) is highly desirable.

• The "Hybrid" DNA: You possess the technical excellence to build a model from scratch but also the interpersonal skills to sit in a living room and convince a retiring IFA founder to trust you with their legacy.

• PE Mentality: Accustomed to the pace, reporting rigour, and "exit-centric" mindset of Private Equity.

Why This Role?

• Autonomy: You aren't just a cog in a machine; you are the architect of the group's expansion.

• Equity: Unlike traditional advisory roles, this position offers a lucrative "sweet equity" or management incentive plan (MIP) tied to the ultimate exit.

• Velocity: In a "highly acquisitive" environment, you will see more deal flow in 18 months than most see in 5 years.

Head of Data

Location: London, UK

Wealth Management

Competitive Salary

We are working with a dynamic, forward-looking wealth management business that is redefining how clients experience investment and financial planning. Combining digital innovation with trusted advisory expertise, the business is scaling rapidly, delivering personalised client solutions and driving operational excellence across its platform. Positioned at the forefront of the sector, the firm is helping shape the future of wealth management.

We are seeking a highly strategic and technically skilled Head of Data who will be responsible for ensuring data capability and governance underpin strategic priorities, drive value creation and enable data driven product, client and commercial decisions. The role combines hands on technical leadership with strong commercial acumen and outstanding stakeholder engagement to accelerate the monetisation of data across platforms, products and client solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Partnering with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to optimise data strategy and execution, ensuring alignment across data governance, engineering, analytics and product initiatives.
• Leading high priority data initiatives, including data platform enhancements, data product development, pricing and commercial models for data-enabled solutions and market and customer analytics, ensuring recommendations are actionable and data-driven.
• Driving end-to-end execution of data led initiatives, tracking progress, resolving roadblocks and fostering a culture of accountability across data, tech and commercial teams.
• Monitoring data platform and analytics performance, supporting commercial decision making and identifying opportunities for optimisation, innovation and growth.
• Embedding risk management, data privacy and regulatory alignment across data.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in a senior data leadership role within wealth management, asset management or broader financial services (e.g., Head of Data, Chief Data Officer or equivalent).
• Strong strategic, operational and analytical skills, with a track record of delivering cross functional data driven programmes to completion.
• Demonstrable experience leading complex data or digital transformations, including data architecture, data governance, ML/AI enablement and data monetisation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage senior executives, boards and external partners.
• Commercially astute, able to align data strategy and delivery with business outcomes, revenue opportunities and client value propositions.
• Highly organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities in a fast p paced environment.
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, data privacy and data management best practices relevant to UK wealth management.
• Hands on but strategically focused: comfortable contributing technically when needed while driving the overarching data strategy and commercial ambitions.

For more information, please apply for this role or contact Elliot O'Shea-Cowan at elliot.oshea-cowan@phippscameron.com.

Chief of Staff - PE Backed IT Infrastructure Opportunity

Overview
We are partnering with a private equity-backed IT infrastructure company to find a highly skilled and motivated Chief of Staff. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic organisation at the forefront of the IT infrastructure sector. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving value creation and providing strategic consultancy to support the company’s growth and operational excellence.

Responsibilities
As Chief of Staff, you will:

• Act as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, providing strategic insights and recommendations.
• Lead and manage cross-functional initiatives to drive value creation and operational improvements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency.
• Oversee the execution of strategic projects, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Develop and implement frameworks to monitor and measure the success of key initiatives.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across departments.
• Represent the leadership team in meetings and engagements as required.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess:

• Proven experience in value creation and consultancy, ideally within a private equity-backed or IT infrastructure environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
• A track record of successfully managing and delivering strategic projects.
• A results-driven mindset with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
• A degree in business, finance, or a related field; an MBA or equivalent qualification is highly desirable.

Day-to-Day
Your daily responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with the leadership team to prioritise and execute strategic initiatives.
• Conducting in-depth analysis to identify opportunities for value creation.
• Coordinating with various departments to ensure seamless project execution.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and updates for stakeholders.
• Monitoring industry trends and providing insights to inform decision-making.
• Acting as a liaison between the leadership team and other parts of the organisation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to work with a forward-thinking, innovative organisation.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Collaborative and inclusive company culture.
• Exposure to high-impact projects and strategic decision-making processes.
• Hyrbrid, 3 days in the office

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for driving value creation and have a background in consultancy, we encourage you to apply for this exciting Chief of Staff opportunity. Join us in shaping the future of IT infrastructure and making a meaningful impact.

Apply now to take the next step in your career!

Head of Integration

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head of Integration to lead the post-acquisition integration agenda across a fast-growing, PE-backed financial services platform. This role is critical to ensuring acquisitions are integrated effectively, synergies are realised, and operational, regulatory, and cultural risks are actively managed.

The Head of Integration will work closely with the CEO, COO, CFO, Corporate Development team, and private equity sponsors to translate deal strategy into executable integration plans that support sustainable value creation.

Key Responsibilities

Post-Merger Integration Leadership

• Own the end-to-end integration of acquired businesses following completion.

• Develop and execute integration playbooks, frameworks, and governance structures.

• Lead multiple integrations in parallel across different stages of maturity.

• Ensure integrations are delivered on time, on budget, and in line with investment case assumptions.

Integration Planning & Execution

• Partner with Corporate Development during pre-deal phases to inform integration strategy and risk assessment.

• Translate deal theses into clear integration roadmaps with defined milestones and accountabilities.

• Coordinate integration across all functions including:

  • Operations

  • Finance

  • Risk & Compliance

  • IT / Systems

  • HR & People

  • Commercial and Client Services

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the central point of coordination between acquired management teams and the parent group.

• Build trusted relationships with founders and senior leaders of acquired businesses.

• Provide regular progress updates to the executive team, board, and PE sponsors.

• Manage external advisers where required.

Synergy Realisation & Value Creation

• Identify and track revenue, cost, and operational synergies.

• Monitor performance against integration KPIs and value creation targets.

• Resolve integration issues proactively and escalate risks where appropriate.

• Support cultural alignment while respecting local autonomy where required.

Governance, Risk & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure integrations comply with regulatory requirements relevant to financial services.

• Support FCA change-in-control processes and post-completion obligations where applicable.

• Embed group governance, controls, and operating standards across acquired businesses.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Significant experience leading post-merger integrations within financial services (e.g. insurance, wealth, banking, lending, payments, fintech or other regulated sectors).

• Background in:

  • Integration leadership,

  • COO / operations roles, or

  • Consulting / value-creation roles with strong PMI exposure.

• Experience operating in a PE-backed or acquisitive environment strongly preferred.

• Proven ability to manage multiple integrations concurrently.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong operational and commercial mindset.

• Highly organised, structured, and execution-focused.

• Comfortable working with ambiguity in fast-growth environments.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at C-suite and board level.

• Pragmatic, hands-on approach with a bias toward getting things done.

• Low-ego, collaborative leadership style.

Location

• London-based role.

• Hybrid working model.

• UK and occasional international travel as required.

Corporate Development Deal Lead

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Corporate Development Deal Lead to play a central role in executing the group’s inorganic growth strategy. This individual will lead full-cycle M&A transactions, from origination through to completion, working closely with senior management, private equity sponsors, and external advisers.

The role is suited to a commercially minded M&A professional with deep transaction experience who can operate independently, build trusted relationships with founders and advisers, and drive deals through to completion in a fast-paced, PE-backed environment.

Key Responsibilities

Deal Origination & Relationship Building

• Originate proprietary and intermediated acquisition opportunities across the financial services landscape.

• Build and maintain relationships with founders, management teams, advisers, and industry participants.

• Represent the business credibly in the market and articulate the group’s investment proposition.

End-to-End Transaction Execution

• Lead full-cycle M&A processes from initial screening through to deal completion.

• Assess strategic fit, value creation potential, and transaction risks.

• Lead valuation, structuring, pricing, and commercial negotiations.

• Coordinate and manage all due diligence workstreams (financial, commercial, legal, regulatory, tax, HR, IT).

• Negotiate transaction documentation (NDAs, HoTs, SPAs, TSAs, employment and shareholder agreements) alongside legal advisers.

• Prepare and present materials for executive leadership, boards, and PE investment committees.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a trusted partner to the CEO, CFO, and senior leadership team.

• Work closely with private equity sponsors and investment teams.

• Manage external advisers including investment banks, accountants, lawyers, and consultants.

Integration & Value Creation

• Support post-deal integration planning in collaboration with operational and functional leaders.

• Ensure transaction rationale translates into executable value creation initiatives.

• Track deal performance against original investment cases.

Candidate Profile

Experience

• 10+ years’ M&A experience, gained in:

  • Corporate development / in-house M&A, and/or

  • Investment banking / M&A advisory at senior level.

• Proven track record of leading full-cycle transactions from origination to completion.

• Experience within financial services (e.g. insurance, wealth management, lending, payments, fintech or adjacent regulated sectors).

• Prior exposure to PE-backed environments strongly preferred.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong commercial judgement and deal instincts.

• Deep understanding of transaction mechanics, valuation, and deal structuring.

• Confident negotiator with the ability to engage credibly with founders and senior stakeholders.

• Highly organised, resilient, and comfortable operating in a high-volume, fast-moving deal environment.

• Low-ego, collaborative approach with the gravitas to operate at board and sponsor level.

• Hands-on mindset;comfortable owning deals end-to-end.

Location

• London-based role.

• Regular interaction with senior leadership and PE sponsors.

• Occasional UK and international travel as required.

About the Company
Our client is a leading, private equity–backed wealth management platform headquartered in Austin, Texas. The firm supports a national network of independent financial advisors through a comprehensive ecosystem of advisory, broker-dealer, technology, and operational solutions, enabling long-term growth while preserving advisor independence.

The Role
The Chief of Staff will serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the CEO, driving alignment, clarity, and disciplined execution across the organization. Acting as a bridge between the CEO, executive leadership team, and investors, this individual will translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and ensure consistent follow-through. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, governance, operations, and communication and is ideal for a commercially minded operator with experience in wealth management or broader financial services.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the CEO to prioritize and advance strategic initiatives.
• Drive cross-functional coordination and track execution against key priorities.
• Prepare board and investor materials and support executive readiness.
• Monitor performance metrics and provide actionable insights.
• Improve organizational effectiveness and streamline processes.
• Reinforce the CEO’s vision and support enterprise-wide communication.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in strategy, operations, consulting, or executive support roles.
• Wealth management or financial services experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• High integrity, discretion, and ownership mindset.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

This is a high-impact opportunity to operate at the center of a growth-oriented, PE-backed platform and influence enterprise-level decision-making.