Group M&A Project Manager

JR United Kingdom; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of specialist education is seeking a Group M&A Project Manager in Manchester. The role involves managing acquisition projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring smooth integration of new services. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational and communication skills, along with experience in managing M&A projects. Join a company recognized as a 'Great Place to Work' and contribute to empowering neurodivergent children.

Qualifications

• Experience managing cross-functional projects, ideally with M&A.
• Strong organizational skills and excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead coordination and delivery of M&A projects.
• Manage project lifecycle from lead generation to integration.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication

Stakeholder Coordination

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Trello

SharePoint

Teams

Job description

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We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit*

Job Title: Group M&A Project Manager

Location: Manchester office 1-2 days per week (Hybrid)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon - Fri, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

JOB PURPOSE

As Group M&A Project Manager at Outcomes First Group, you will lead the coordination, planning, and delivery of projects supporting the acquisition of new schools, services, and businesses across the UK and internationally.

You will work closely with the Commercial, Strategy, and Executive teams to track acquisition opportunities, manage project lifecycle from lead generation to integration, and ensure cross-functional delivery across legal, finance, people services, operations, and IT.

This is a collaborative and fast-paced role that contributes to our growth and commitment to providing access to specialist education and care for neurodivergent children and young people.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Project Pipeline Coordination: Maintain a register of all live and potential acquisition projects, log new leads, ensure visibility, and track opportunities from scoping to completion.
2. Project Lifecycle Management: Map and monitor all stages of each M&A project, including due diligence, legal process, and post-acquisition integration.
3. Stakeholder Coordination: Act as the central point across teams, ensuring clarity on roles, responsibilities, and timelines.
4. Risk and Issue Management: Identify blockers or risks and work proactively to resolve issues.
5. Governance and Reporting: Produce project documentation, lead meetings, and provide updates.
6. Acquisition Readiness: Track and complete project milestones before handover.
7. Integration Planning: Ensure smooth onboarding of new services, aligning systems, policies, and standards.
8. Methodology Application: Use project management methodologies like PRINCE2 and Agile as appropriate.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Experience managing cross-functional projects, ideally with M&A or high-growth operations.
• Skills in mapping project phases, stakeholder coordination, and managing multiple projects.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
• Excellent communication skills, engaging with senior leaders and teams.
• Knowledge of governance practices, RAID logs, and project documentation.
• Familiarity with tools like MS Project, Smartsheet, Trello, and platforms like SharePoint and Teams.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, or integrations within regulated environments.
• Understanding of commercial diligence, contracts, and operational assessments.
• Experience with international growth or acquisitions.

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK, dedicated to giving neurodivergent children access to tailored education, abilities, and aspirations.

Our brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, and Momenta Connect. We serve children, young people, and adults across the UK, empowering them to thrive.

Our Values and Commitments

We are proud to be recognized as a ‘Great Place to Work’ in 2024 for the fifth year.

Our Vision: Empower every child with a world-class education that nurtures potential and inspires lifelong learning.

Our Mission: Unlock pupils’ potential through personalized learning, innovation, and support.

We believe in collaboration, accountability, and never assuming. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will undergo social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS.