M&A Manager

OCU Group; Stockport; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility engineering contractor in Stockport is seeking a talented M&A Manager to identify acquisition opportunities and support transactions. This role requires a recognised accounting qualification, prior M&A experience, and strong communication abilities. Ideal candidates have a strategic mindset and the capacity to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Join a company valuing integrity and inclusion as we shape the future of the energy sector.

Qualifications

• Prior M&A experience (in-house, practice, advisory or corporate finance).
• Confidence to engage at all levels.
• Curiosity to challenge conventional thinking.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research into the UK market to identify acquisition opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with potential targets.
• Support deal execution and management reporting.

Skills

Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Strategic mindset

Creative problem-solving

Education

Recognised accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA)

Job description

Reporting directly to the Group M&A Director, you will play a central role in shaping OCU's future identifying opportunities, driving transactions end-to-end, and working closely with operating divisions and external partners. You will gain exposure to all facets of M&A within a dynamic PE backed environment, playing a key role in high-impact, strategic decisions. What You’ll Do

Responsibilities

• Deal Sourcing & Market Insight: Conduct in-depth research into the UK market to identify and evaluate potential acquisition opportunities aligned to OCU's strategic ambitions.
• Target Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with potential targets, acting with professionalism, discretion and commercial acuity to open doors and progress conversations.
• Advisor Relationships: Strengthen OCU's reputation with advisors, accountancy firms, investment banks, and corporate finance houses, positioning us as a preferred bidder.
• Deal Execution Support: Own the administration of transactions— from preparing presentations and coordinating virtual data rooms to supporting diligence workstreams and project timelines.
• Management Reporting: Provide clear, concise updates to senior leadership, articulating complex deal structures and financial information with confidence.
• Innovative Contribution: Bring fresh ideas, creative problem‑solving and commercial awareness to improve our processes and outcomes.
• Integrity & Confidentiality: Uphold the highest standards in managing sensitive information throughout every stage of the deal cycle.

Qualifications

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA).
• Prior M&A experience (in‑house, practice, advisory or corporate finance).
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills, with the confidence to engage at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• A strategic mindset, with the creativity and curiosity to challenge conventional thinking.

Driven by values, powered by inclusion.

OCU is a market leading infrastructure, energy transition and engineering services provider operating at the heart of the UK’s fast‑growing utilities and clean‑energy sectors. From renewable energy and battery storage to telecoms, water, regulated power and more! As we continue this exciting journey, we are looking for a talented and driven M&A Manager to join our Group M&A team at a pivotal moment in our growth story.

Following our acquisition by Triton Partners one of Europe’s most respected private equity firms OCU is accelerating through a period of exceptional transformation and ongoing acquisitions, as we continue this exciting journey, we are looking for a talented and driven experienced M&A Manager to join our Group M&A team at a pivotal moment in our growth story.

At OCU, our values guide everything we do: integrity, collaboration, respect, innovation and one company united. They shape how we work with our clients, communities, and each other. We believe that inclusion is more than a principle – it’s the foundation of our success. By embracing equity and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, we create a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels they belong. Together, we build stronger teams, deliver better outcomes, and grow in ways that reflect the communities we serve.

If you want to be part of a culture where values matter and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, apply now and help us shape the future together.

If you are invited to progress in the recruitment process, will you require any reasonable adjustments to support you? Please let us know so we can ensure the process is accessible and fair for you. Any information you share will be treated confidentially and will only be used to support you during the recruitment process.

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer‑focused civil engineering solutions. Working directly with many of the country's leading blue‑chip power, water, telecoms and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team. We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment. We believe that being successful is a choice. We choose to be successful. We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.