Corporate Development Director

AXA UK; London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AXA UK is searching for a Corporate Development Director ready to lead M&A transactions across the UK and EMEA. This pivotal role encompasses strategic leadership within a high-growth environment, focusing on financial modeling, due diligence, and project management. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in finance, project management skills, and experience in stakeholder engagement, contributing to major investment decisions while mentoring junior team members.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Global Wellbeing Days

Inclusive workforce environment

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of asset valuation techniques including NPV, IRR, and ROIC.
• Proven experience in corporate financial modeling.
• Demonstrated project management capabilities across complex transactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute end-to-end M&A transactions.
• Build and manage detailed financial models to support investment decisions.
• Oversee and coordinate due diligence processes across all workstreams.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Financial modelling

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree (2:1 or above)

ACA qualification from a Big 4 firm

MBA qualification

Formal training in Investment Banking or Corporate Finance

Job description

Corporate Development Director

Are you a seasoned Corporate Development Director ready to make a global impact? We’re looking for a commercially astute leader to join our in-house M&A team based in London. As part of a high-growth, acquisitive business, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving strategic transactions across the UK and EMEA region. Reporting to the Head of Corporate Development for the UK & EMEA, you’ll lead financial modelling, due diligence, and project management efforts that shape the future of our organisation.

This hybrid role based in London offers flexibility to work virtually at home and in the office.

Aon is in the business of better decisions

At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world.

As an organisation, we are united through trust as one inclusive team, and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.

What the day will look like

The primary responsibility will be to lead and execute end-to-end M&A transactions.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Lead and execute end-to-end M&A transactions across the UK and EMEA
• Work with business leaders to identify and evaluate prospective transactions
• Build and manage detailed financial models to support investment decisions
• Conduct investment appraisals and prepare compelling business cases
• Develop and deliver board-level presentations and strategic analysis
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align on deal strategy and execution
• Manage external advisors and cross-functional teams throughout the transaction lifecycle
• Oversee and coordinate due diligence processes across all workstreams
• M&A project management and transactional work with professional advisors
• Mentor and support junior team members, fostering a collaborative team environment

How this opportunity is different

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-growth, global professional services firm and play a central role in shaping its strategic direction through major M&A transactions. As part of our in-house Corporate Development team, you'll be exposed to complex, high-value deals that span multiple geographies and business sectors.

You’ll work closely with senior leadership, including the Head of Corporate Development for the UK & EMEA, and contribute directly to the identification, evaluation, and execution of acquisitions that drive long-term growth. This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment—for someone with strong corporate finance expertise and a passion for deal-making.

Skills and experience that will lead to success

We are seeking a commercially oriented individual strong understanding of asset valuation techniques including NPV, IRR, and ROIC.

• Proven experience in building and managing corporate financial models
• Demonstrated project management capabilities across complex transactions
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement within large, matrixed organisations
• Background in Financial Services is advantageous but not essential
• Strong academic background – Bachelor’s degree (2:1 or above) or equivalent
• Formal training in Investment Banking or Corporate Finance
• ACA qualification from a Big 4 firm (preferred but not required)
• MBA qualification (preferred but not required)

How we support our colleagues

In addition to our comprehensive benefits package, we encourage an inclusive workforce. Plus, our agile environment allows you to manage your wellbeing and work/life balance, ensuring you can be your best self at Aon. Furthermore, all colleagues enjoy two “Global Wellbeing Days” each year, encouraging you to take time to focus on yourself. We offer a variety of working style solutions for our colleagues as well.

Our continuous learning culture inspires and equips you to learn, share and grow, helping you achieve your fullest potential. As a result, at Aon, you are more connected, more relevant, and more valued.

Aon values an innovative and inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Aon is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Aon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital, domestic partner status, or other legally protected status.

We welcome applications from all and provide individuals with disabilities with reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application, interview process and to perform essential job functions once onboard. If you would like to learn more about the reasonable accommodations we provide, email [e-mail]

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