Corporate Development Director - Private Equity Backed Professional Services

SJC Partners; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A private equity-backed platform in London seeks a Corporate Development Director to own and drive their M&A strategy from day one. This senior role involves leading transactions across Western Europe, responsible for the full deal lifecycle—from sourcing and due diligence to execution and post-merger integration. The ideal candidate has extensive M&A experience, strong financial acumen, and a track record of successful deal execution.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in M&A transactions, preferable in private equity.
• Proven ability to drive deal lifecycle from origination to integration.
• Strong financial and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the Group’s M&A strategy and execution.
• Lead transactions from sourcing to integration.
• Shape and deliver M&A strategy aligned with investment thesis.

Skills

M&A strategy formulation

Transaction risk management

Financial due diligence

Deal structuring

Integration management

Job description

Corporate Development Director – Private Equity backed Professional Services Buy & Build Platform SJC Partners is managing the recruitment of a Corporate Development Director for a newly established, private equity–backed professional services buy-and-build platform, backed by a major global private equity sponsor, based in Western Europe.

This is a senior, hands‑on role at the front end of a new platform build, responsible for originating, executing, and integrating bolt‑on acquisitions across Western Europe.

The Role As Corporate Development Director, you will own and drive the Group’s M&A strategy and execution from day one, playing a central role in building a pan‑European platform through disciplined acquisition and integration. You will lead transactions end‑to‑end—from sourcing, due diligence, and execution to post‑merger integration—working closely with the CEO, the PE sponsor, and senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the Group’s M&A strategy in line with the investment thesis
• Originate and execute bolt‑on acquisitions (typical EBITDA €1m–€8m)
• Lead the full deal lifecycle: origination, due diligence, execution, and post‑merger integration
• Manage and coordinate financial, tax, and legal due diligence processes
• Oversee transaction risk management and deal structuring
• Partner with the CEO and the PE sponsor on ...