Corporate Development Analyst/Associate

Pearson - UK; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic professional to join their Corporate Development team in London. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in high-profile M&A activities and corporate finance projects. You will leverage your analytical skills and transaction experience to evaluate potential acquisitions and support the execution of strategic initiatives. Collaborating closely with senior management and external stakeholders, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic direction. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about driving impactful business decisions, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in investment banking, M&A advisory, or corporate finance required.
• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate acquisitions and corporate joint ventures against strategy.
• Lead valuation, manage transaction processes, and oversee due diligence.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Financial Modelling

Valuation Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Self-Starter

Education

Undergraduate Degree in Business, Finance or Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

The Department

Group Strategy and Corporate Development is a small, high profile team reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer based across Pearson’s London and Hoboken, NJ offices. This team works hand in hand to drive all group strategy, venture & minority investment, strategic partnership and M&A activity across the Pearson group. Within the department, our team – Corporate Development - is responsible for i) setting the M&A strategy and managing all acquisitions, disposals and corporate joint ventures (end-to-end) and ii) supporting on corporate finance matters (e.g. shareholder returns, defence & activism). We have a significant amount of exposure to the Pearson CEO, CFO and other Board directors, and we work very closely with the Pearson Executive team and senior management in all our business units, together with a small central Deal Operations team who drive integration and separation activities resulting from our transactions.

Main activities / responsibilities of role

This is an opportunity for you to work in a fast-paced environment and gain experience across a variety of transaction types and corporate finance projects. You are a self-starter and able to drive your tasks autonomously, however also a willing team player - working closely with our businesses to achieve shared goals. You will bring your analytical skills to perform key pieces of financial analysis and your transaction experience will ensure the project is kept on track and the relevant opportunities and risks are uncovered and taken into account.

• Working with the business units in evaluating potential acquisitions, disposals and corporate joint ventures – this includes reviewing the business case against Pearson’s strategy, building and reviewing valuation models and preparing the documentation to take the business case for approval at CFO/CEO level and eventually Board level (if required);
• Supporting on all elements of transaction execution, which include:
  • Leading on valuation and financial modelling;
  • Helping to manage the internal Pearson team and our advisors during a transaction process;
  • Writing approval papers for the Pearson Board and senior management;
  • Overseeing the due diligence process;
  • Interacting with a seller and their advisors or with a potential buyer and their advisors;
  • Providing support on reviewing and negotiating contracts and legal agreements; and
  • Representing Pearson in meetings with external stakeholders.

• Work closely with the wider Group Strategy and Corporate Development team ensuring Corporate Development input into our various strategic themes and projects.
• Provide assistance on specific strategic analysis for the Board, CEO, CSO and CFO, for example, defense & activism planning, balance sheet strategy, including dividend and share buy-backs;

Qualifications and experience required for the role:

• Candidates must have previous relevant experience gained working in an investment bank or M&A advisory firm, the corporate finance or strategy division of a large accounting or consulting firm, or within the M&A / strategy function of a multinational corporate organisation.
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field, ideally in business, finance or accounting;
• Financial modelling and valuation skills and experience, including ability to understand and interpret statutory and management accounts;
• Proven analytical and business problem solving skills, with the ability to apply financial analysis to commercial issues;
• Deal transaction experience;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (including written), with the ability to establish credibility and work with senior management;
• Self-starter, confident working under own initiative with results-driven work ethic and focus on attention to detail, as well as being a reliable team player;
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; and
• Prior experience in the education industry is helpful, but not required.