Director Corporate Finance

Alexander Lyons Solutions; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander Lyons Solutions in Manchester is seeking a Corporate Finance Director / MD Designate to lead pre-qualified small-cap M&A mandates with the support of an in-house origination engine. The role offers a hybrid work model, primarily home-based with periodic Manchester on-site presence and client visits.

You will drive deal execution end-to-end, manage senior client relationships, and mentor junior staff.

Qualifications

• Must have Director/Associate Director level in Corporate Finance, M&A, or Transaction Services.
• Entrepreneurial, commercially driven with track record in deal origination and execution.

Responsibilities

• Mandate Conversion: Transform pre-qualified leads into fee-paying advisory mandates alongside the Senior Partners.
• Deal Execution & Strategy: Lead small-cap sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions from initial pitch and valuation through to negotiation and successful completion.
• Technical & Advisory Leadership: Oversee financial modeling, valuation frameworks, information memoranda, and deal structuring while maintaining senior client relationships.
• Team Growth: Mentor and develop junior corporate finance talent, fostering a performance-driven, high-support culture.

Job description

Position: Corporate Finance Director / Associate Director

Location: Manchester / Hybrid (primarily home-based with 2-3 days/month in Manchester + client site visits).

Package: Executive Base + Uncapped Bonus + Equity / Fast-Track Partnership Track

The Opportunity

Are you a proven Corporate Finance Director frustrated by the endless grind of cold origination? Imagine stepping into a firm where deal origination is fully taken care of, allowing you to do what you do best: convert high-quality mandates and execute transactions.

We are partnering with a premier corporate finance advisory firm to appoint a Corporate Finance Director / MD Designate. Working directly alongside the Senior Partners, you will inherit a constant flow of pre-qualified small-cap M&A leads generated by a high-performing in-house origination engine.

This is a strategic key hire with a clear, defined pathway to Managing Director and equity participation within 24 months.

Why Join?

• In-House Origination Engine: Stop starting from scratch. Tap into an established platform that consistently delivers high-intent, pre-screened deal opportunities directly to your desk.
• Defined Equity & Partnership Path: No vague promises. A direct, milestone-driven route to Managing Director status and meaningful equity ownership within 2 years.
• True Hybrid Work Model: Enjoy elite flexibility. Required onsite presence in Manchester is minimal (a few days a month), giving you complete control over your schedule (transaction travel as required).
• High-Impact Autonomy: Lead small-cap M&A transactions end-to-end, serving as trusted advisor to founders, management teams, and private equity investors.

What You'll Be Doing

• Mandate Conversion: Transform pre-qualified leads into fee-paying advisory mandates alongside the Senior Partners.
• Deal Execution & Strategy: Lead small-cap sell-side and buy-side M&A transactions from initial pitch and valuation through to negotiation and successful completion.
• Technical & Advisory Leadership: Oversee financial modeling, valuation frameworks, information memoranda, and deal structuring while maintaining senior client relationships.
• Team Growth: Mentor and develop junior corporate finance talent, fostering a performance-driven, high-support culture.

Who We Are Looking For

• Proven Track Record: Experience as a Director or Associate Director in Corporate Finance, M&A, or Transaction Services within a quality boutique, mid-market firm, or Big 4 environment.
• Commercial Drive: Highly commercial and entrepreneurial mind-set, energized by deal conversion, client advisory, and long-term equity growth.

What's on Offer

• Competitive executive salary package + performance bonus.
• Fast-track pathway to Managing Director & Equity Partner (within 24 months).
• Continuous, pre-qualified deal pipeline backed by dedicated lead-generation resources.
• True hybrid flexibility (primarily home-based with 2-3 days/month in Manchester + client site visits).