Job Description

Director of M&A Integration

Overview

We are partnering with a leading private equity–backed education group that has doubled in size over the past three years and is accelerating its global expansion. This high-growth organization is committed to reshaping the education landscape through geographic growth and product innovation. To support this scale, we are seeking a Director of M&A Integration to ensure seamless post-merger integration across its international portfolio, driving operational excellence and unlocking the full value of each acquisition.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the integration strategy of a PE-backed, high-growth organization within the vibrant and meaningful sector of education. The successful candidate will bring expertise in M&A integration and operational transition services (OTS) while exuding resilience, adaptability, and thought leadership in complex environments.

The Role

As the Director of M&A Integration, you will:

1. Lead Global Integration Across Diverse Geographies:

   • Oversee post-merger integration across the UK, Canada, Australia, and Asia-Pacific regions, aligning acquired entities with the organization’s objectives, culture, and operational frameworks.
   • Design and implement a best-in-class integration framework to navigate cross-border complexities while ensuring consistency of execution.

2. Develop and Implement Integration Strategy:

   • Partner with the deal team during diligence stages to define integration strategy early in the M&A lifecycle.
   • Work collaboratively with functional leads across finance, HR, IT, legal, commercial, and operations to ensure seamless alignment with the group’s strategic goals.

3. Operational Excellence and Synergy Realization:

   • Establish robust processes to track and deliver synergies post-integration, ensuring all acquisitions meet their financial and operational objectives.
   • Drive structured post-merger reviews to gain insights and elevate the effectiveness of future integrations.

4. Champion Culture and Change Management:

   • Lead the charge in driving cultural alignment while respecting the unique identities of acquired businesses.
   • Foster inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring workforce transitions are rooted in engagement and clear communication.

5. Stakeholder Management at the Highest Level:

   • Report regularly to the leadership team and Board, providing accurate and actionable insights on integration progress, milestones, risks, and outcomes.
   • Provide the gravitas and expertise needed to engage with senior stakeholders and investors, ensuring alignment across strategic and financial objectives.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for candidates with demonstrable experience and capabilities, including but not limited to:

Experience:

• Proven Senior-Level Expertise:

  • Extensive experience (7-10+ years) in M&A integration, operational transition services (OTS), or comparable leadership roles.
  • A proven track record of delivering complex post-merger integrations, particularly across geographies and functions, in white-collar, people-focused industries such as education, professional services, or related sectors.

• Cross-Border Integration Knowledge:

  • Hands-on expertise in integrating businesses across international markets, understanding the cultural, operational, and financial nuances of different regions.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to link integration efforts to broader strategic and financial goals.
• Exceptional leadership skills and the gravitas to engage and influence C-suite, Board members, and investors.
• Outstanding project management capabilities, with a track record of on-time, on-budget integration delivery.
• Deep understanding of change management and the ability to balance empathy and execution during organizational transitions.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a problem-solving mindset in high-growth, fast-paced environments.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, management, or a related field (MBA or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred).

Technical Acumen:

• Proficiency in integration dashboards, financial modeling, project management software, and systems alignments.

Cultural Sensitivity and Values Alignment:

• A collaborative, team-first mindset with a demonstrated ability to foster equity, diversity, and inclusion in global organizations.

Why This Role?

This is a career-defining role for a seasoned M&A professional looking to leave a tangible impact. Joining at this stage of growth, you will:

• Operate at the forefront of a global M&A strategy, owning integration for an ambitious PE-backed education group as it transforms into an international powerhouse.
• Shape and execute a vision of seamless and scalable integrations, ensuring every acquisition delivers maximum value for the business and its stakeholders.
• Be part of a purpose-driven organization that is expanding access to high-quality education at a global level.
• Thrive in an environment that is high-growth, fast-paced, and relentlessly focused on achieving excellence while honoring cultural richness across teams and geographies.

Join Us:

We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every voice is valued, and every background is celebrated. If you’re ready to take on the challenge of leading integration within a fast-moving, innovative organization and are inspired by the opportunity to transform the global education sector, we encourage you to apply.