Job title: Head of M&A (Ascend)
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: PE Fund
Salary: negotiable
Location: London, UK
Job published: 18/02/2026
Job ID: 133520

Job Description

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.