Development Associate

Tarmac Trading Limited; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction and materials company in the UK is seeking a Development Associate to join their Strategy & Development team. This role provides hands-on experience in mergers, acquisitions, and divestments, allowing for significant career progression. Responsibilities include producing company profiles, financial modelling, market research, and managing project timelines. Ideal candidates will have strong analytical skills, proficiency in Excel, and a degree in Finance or related fields. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and the chance to work on high-impact projects.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Enhanced holiday entitlement

Contributory pension scheme

Discounts on retailers and holidays

Employee Assistance helpline

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong financial modelling and valuation capabilities.
• High proficiency in Excel and financial analysis tools.
• Excellent project management and coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed company profiles and maintain target lists.
• Build financial models and support investment decisions.
• Conduct market research and translate findings into insights.
• Provide project management support across active deals.
• Lead activities for post-acquisition integration projects.

Skills

Financial modelling

Excel proficiency

Project management

Synthesis of market data

Written and verbal communication

Education

Degree in Finance, Economics, Business

Professional qualification (e.g., ACA)

Job description

Are you analytical, ambitious, and eager to build a career in corporate development and M&A? Here at Tarmac we are seeking a Development Associate to join our high‑performing Strategy & Development team, supporting the delivery of mergers, acquisitions, and divestments from early evaluation all the way through to post‑deal integration. This is a rare opportunity to gain hands‑on experience across the full deal lifecycle – working closely with Development Managers, shaping strategic insights, supporting key financial analyses, and coordinating multiple workstreams on live transactions. You'll contribute to projects with real business impact while developing the capabilities needed to progress into senior development roles.

What you’ll be doing

Company Profiling & Target Management

• Produce detailed company profiles with financial, operational, and strategic insights.
• Maintain and update target lists to support ongoing deal origination.

Modelling & Transaction Evaluation

• Build initial financial models and run valuations, sensitivities, and scenario planning.
• Support Development Managers with analytical inputs to inform investment decisions.

Market Research & Analysis

• Conduct deep market research to understand trends, competitor activity, and potential opportunities.
• Translate findings into actionable insights that inform origination strategies.

Project Management of Transactions

• Provide PMO support across active deals, coordinating internal workstreams and external advisors.
• Track timelines, manage deliverables, produce status updates, and elevate risks when needed.

Integration Project Management

• Lead PMO activity for post‑acquisition integration projects.
• Develop integration plans, monitor progress, and support resolution of issues to maintain momentum.

Stakeholder Engagement & Documentation

• Prepare investment papers, presentations, and supporting materials for senior leadership and CRH approval.
• Collaborate across Finance, Legal, Operations, and other functions to ensure smooth information flow.

Key Attributes

• Analytical & detail‑oriented – confident working with complex data and producing accurate outputs.
• Organised & structured – able to prioritise effectively and manage multiple workstreams.
• Collaborative & communicative – building strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive & adaptable – comfortable working in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Commercially minded – understanding strategic fit and value creation in M&A.

Your skills – you bring

• Strong financial modelling and valuation capabilities.
• High proficiency in Excel and financial analysis tools.
• Excellent project management and coordination skills.
• The ability to synthesise complex market data into clear insights.
• Confident written and verbal communication skills.
• Degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related discipline.
• Professional qualification (e.g., ACA) desirable but not essential.
• Evidence of ongoing development in financial analysis, M&A, or project management.

Why Apply?

This role offers exceptional exposure to strategic, high‑value projects across the business. You’ll work alongside seasoned development professionals, gain deep experience in transaction execution and integration, and build the capabilities required for future leadership roles in corporate development. If you’re motivated, analytical, and excited by the world of M&A, this is the perfect opportunity to accelerate your career.

Ready to build your future?

Benefits

• Bonus scheme
• Enhanced holiday entitlement
• Contributory pension scheme
• Access to the Tarmac Reward website with discounts on retailers, holidays, etc.
• Access to the Employee Assistance helpline for free and confidential advice
• Access to join our Employee Communities (employee networks) – we currently have nine communities inc. (REACH) Religious, Ethnic, Cultural Heritage, LGBTQ+, Parents & carers, Ability, Wellbeing, Female voice and menopause
• Training and development opportunities

We're proud to be part of CRH, and even prouder to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know – we're here to support you.