Director, M&A Operations

CI Financial Corp.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Modern HQ

Training reimbursement

Professional designations

Employee Savings Plan

Corporate discounts

Enhanced benefits

Parental leave

Top-up program

Volunteer time off

Job summary

CI Financial Corp. is seeking aDirector, M&A Operations in Toronto to lead the end-to-end execution of book purchases and Canadian Wealth M&A transactions.

You will own integration roadmaps, manage cross-functional teams, and drive governance, reporting, and continuous improvement to ensure timely, high-quality outcomes. The role partners with senior leaders to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans, overseeing governance, program scaling, and stakeholder alignment in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• University degree in Business, Finance, Operations, Commerce, or related field.
• 8+ years leading complex cross-functional initiatives, integrations, M&A transactions, or large-scale projects.
• Experience in wealth management or regulated financial services is preferred.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Experience developing governance frameworks, operating models, and process improvements.
• Strong ability to influence and coordinate stakeholders without direct authority.
• Excellent communication and executive stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead M&A transaction planning and execution from signing to integration completion.
• Coordinate cross-functional transaction teams across Operations, Technology, HR, Finance, Compliance, Legal, Marketing, and Advisor Transition.
• Establish governance structures and provide executive reporting for decisions and milestones.
• Drive continuous improvement of the M&A operating model and governance playbooks.

Skills

M&A leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Change leadership

Executive communication

Strategic thinking

Education

University degree in Business/Finance

Job description

At CI, we see a great place to work as one that is a safe place for everyone to have a voice, where people are empowered to take ownership over meaningful work, where there is an opportunity to grow through stretching themselves, where they can work on innovative products and projects, and where employees are supported and engaged in doing so.

The Director, M&A Operations is responsible for leading the operational execution of the organization's book purchase and M&A initiatives from transaction close through successful integration. Reporting to the SVP, Head of Business Operations, CI Wealth, this role owns the M&A operating framework, integration governance model, transaction execution process, and cross-functional delivery required to successfully onboard acquired advisor businesses into the organization. The Director serves as the central leader coordinating all execution activities, ensuring transactions progress efficiently, risks are mitigated, stakeholders remain aligned, and integration objectives are achieved. Working in close partnership with the SVP, Business Development, who leads deal origination and transaction negotiations, and the SVP, Head of Business Operations, CI Wealth, who establishes the integration vision, strategic priorities, and future‑state operating model, the Director is accountable for translating strategic direction into actionable plans and delivering successful outcomes. This role will coordinate cross-functional teams across Finance, Legal, Compliance, Sales, Managed Solutions, HR, etc. The ideal candidate is an experienced operator who combines strong project leadership, M&A expertise, operational excellence, stakeholder management, and change leadership capabilities in a fast‑paced growth environment.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

M&A Transaction Leadership & Execution

Own the execution framework supporting all book purchase and Canadian Wealth M&A transactions. Lead transaction planning and execution from signed deal through integration completion. Develop and manage integration roadmaps, project plans, milestones, dependencies, budgets, and resource requirements. Drive execution across concurrent transactions, ensuring priorities remain aligned and deliverables are completed on schedule. Identify execution risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and elevate key decisions requiring executive direction. Act as the primary operational leader responsible for ensuring successful transaction delivery.

Cross-Functional Management

Project manage cross-functional transaction teams consisting of Operations, Technology, HR, Finance, Compliance, Legal, Marketing, and Advisor Transition stakeholders. Establish clear ownership, timelines, deliverables, and success measures for each workstream. Resolve execution challenges and remove barriers to delivery. Influence leaders and stakeholders at all levels to ensure alignment and timely completion of commitments. Serve as the central point of coordination across all integration activities.

Governance & Decision Support

Own governance structures supporting M&A and book purchase activities. Lead steering committee meetings, integration reviews, and executive project updates. Maintain enterprise visibility into all active transactions, including risks, issues, decisions, and key milestones. Prepare concise executive reporting and provide recommendations to support strategic decision‑making. Escalate critical issues requiring SVP and President review and approval.

M&A Operating Model & Continuous Improvement

Own and continuously enhance the organization's M&A execution playbook and governance framework. Establish standardized methodologies, templates, checklists, and operating procedures. Drive consistency and scalability across all acquisition and integration activities. Incorporate lessons learned from completed transactions into future execution planning. Identify opportunities to improve transaction speed, integration effectiveness, and overall execution quality.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• University degree in Business, Finance, Operations, Commerce, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience leading complex cross‑functional initiatives, integrations, business transformations, M&A transactions, or large‑scale projects.
• Experience within wealth management, financial services, or another regulated industry is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing acquisition, integration, or book purchase activities from planning through execution.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple concurrent initiatives, manage risks, and drive results against demanding timelines.
• Proven ability to influence and coordinate stakeholders across Operations, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Technology, HR, and Sales without direct authority.
• Experience developing and implementing governance frameworks, operating models, playbooks, processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and executive stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and change leadership capabilities.
• Highly organized, accountable, and execution‑focused, with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment.
• PMP, Prosci, Lean Six Sigma, or other relevant project management or change management certifications are considered an asset.

CI Financial is an independent company offering global wealth management and asset management advisory services through diverse financial services firms. Since 1965, we have consistently anticipated and responded to the changing needs of investors. We are driven by a commitment to provide individuals and institutions with the highest‑quality investments and advice. Our commitment to the highest levels of performance means that whatever their position, CI employees must be comfortable in a fast‑paced environment that will stretch them to tap into their highest potential. Employees with a healthy dose of ambition, a desire to commit to a curious mindset for continuous learning, and a willingness to go the extra mile thrive at CI.

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Modern HQ location within walking distance from Union Station
• Training Reimbursement
• Paid Professional Designations
• Employee Savings Plan (ESP)
• Corporate Discount Program
• Enhanced group benefits
• Parental Leave
• Top-up program
• Paid time off for Volunteering

If you require accommodations in order to apply for any job opportunities, require this posting in an additional format, or require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process please contact us at [e-mail], or call 416-364-1145 ext. 4747.

CI Financial Corp. and all of our affiliates ("CI") are committed to fair and accessible employment practices and provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.