M&A Principal

BP; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

bp’s corporate Mergers & Acquisitions team leads high-value transactions, offering a unique exposure to C-Suite leaders. Based in London, the Principal role focuses on steering multi-disciplinary deal teams and delivering value across upstream, downstream or trading segments.

The role requires strong negotiation, project management, and a track record of large-scale M&A in the energy sector, with flexibility for travel and relocation as needed.

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated track record delivering material M&A transactions in energy (upstream/downstream/trading).
• Experience with external counterparties in international environments.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience with commercial contracts, risk allocation, and governance.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end delivery of transactions, managing resources and issues.
• Lead deal team and secure value for bp.
• Act as lead negotiator to maximize deal value.
• Support bp's corporate strategy across business divisions.

Skills

Acquisitions and divestments

Agreements and negotiations

Contractual risk management

Economic evaluation methodology

Financial analysis

Financial modelling

Influencing

Joint venture structuring

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree from an accredited college or university

MBA or equivalent advanced qualification

Job description

Entity:

Finance

Job Family Group:

Strategic Planning & Business Development Group

Job Description:

bp’s corporate Mergers & Acquisitions team's anchor role is to provide a center of expertise in driving acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and asset restructurings within the bp Group, with a value in excess of US$50 million.

M&A's core expertise lies in its advisory and transactional ability. On the advisory side we have knowledge and experience in analysing assets and/or businesses to establish sources of value and minimising risks and liabilities. On the transactional front our experience and skills are deployed in assessing the market, pricing and bidding, running sell-side auctions, negotiation, and project management of a transaction to completion. This involves close collaboration with Business Groups and Functions internally and numerous external parties including corporates, investment banks, engineering firms, financial investors and advisors.

We develop a broad corporate development capability through our access to the internal strategic context and an acute awareness of the evolving external market. M&A works with the Business Groups to evaluate divestment and acquisition options. The M&A team plays a pivotal role in bp deliver its strategy.

As a Principal in Mergers & Acquisitions, you can expect to be working on several transactions at any one time. The Principal is responsible for leading a transaction team, working closely with business managers, legal, functional, and (in certain instances) financial advisors to effectively deliver material transactions for the bp Group within the boundaries set by the bp executive team.

This position provides a unique opportunity for an individual to hone commercial astuteness, negotiating skills, and project management skills. It also provides unparalleled exposure to C-Suite executives and senior leaders across bp. This position is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to be exposed to a broad range of business issues and to test themselves in a high pressure transaction environment.

This role is based in London and is part of bp’s global M&A team. Applicants with energy backgrounds in upstream, downstream and Trading will be considered. The successful applicant will tag into either the VP M&A Upstream and Technology or the VP M&A Downstream & ST&S, subject to the candidates experience/ background. Notwithstanding, the M&A function works in an agile way, so resources are deployed as needed to meet Group needs. As such, the successful candidate may be deployed to lead transactions across any business segment within the bp Group.

Key Accountabilities:

• End-to-end delivery of a transaction, managing all the relevant resources in a timely manner with all pertinent issues addressed.
• Leadership of the deal team including all necessary supporting functional expertise to deliver transactions in a timely manner and securing the best value for bp
• Acting as a key member of the negotiating team (typically the lead negotiator) to secure the deal at maximum value for bp.
• Support transactions which will help shape bp in the delivery of its corporate strategy and will participate in the implementation of the strategy of all business divisions.
• Extensive travel could be required but will be dependent on the project portfolio of the M&A Principal and the needs of the business clients.

Requirements for the role:

• Degree from an accredited college or university
• Consistent track record in delivery of material M&A transactions in the energy industry (hydrocarbon, low carbon, mobility, energy retail) - As part of the interview process, we expect candidates will be able to provide a deal sheet of completed transactions and be able to speak to their role in those.
• Deep experience working in or with an International Energy Company with career anchor/ experience in at least one operating segment of upstream oil and gas, downstream or trading.
• Demonstrated negotiation skills and experience with commercial contractual frameworks, risk allocation structures, governance frameworks, etc.
• Experience with corporate finance, economic evaluation and risk management.
• Confirmed experience of working with external counterparties in international environments.
• Experience creating and delivering commercial solutions to challenging problems with joint venture partners, host governments or transaction counterparties.
• Well developed understanding of energy value chains and macroeconomic themes impacting the energy sector.
• Project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to work independently in an environment that may sometimes be ambiguous.
• Leadership skills with the ability to set direction and clear objectives to large, dispersed teams.
• Ability to build trust and confidence with internal and external partners and handle conflicts professionally.

Desirable Criteria

• A strong finance, engineering and/or economics background.
• MBA or a similar advanced qualification.
• Demonstrated leadership skills – leading a team or projects
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interface effectively with senior executives
• Experience of managing external relationships (partners, counterparties, governments).
• Strong organisational skills and able to influence and coordinate various internal (e.g., commercial and functional staff) and external (e.g. lawyers, advisors and partners) team members.
• Proactive mindset with strong performance bias.
• Experience with creative financial structuring, accounting treatment of debt, etc.
• Strong commitment to a work environment of mutual trust and respect and where diversity and inclusion are valued.
• Highly professional demeanour with strong written and oral communication skills.

Why join us?

We’re committed to supporting leaders who want to make an impact. At bp, you’ll have the chance to shape and influence outcomes across businesses. You’ll be part of an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and where your contribution to performance and integration matters. We invest in the growth and wellbeing of our people, providing the resources, networks, and development opportunities needed to thrive.

Our total rewards package includes competitive pay, bonuses, share options, and a range of flexible benefits designed to meet your needs - from healthcare and retirement plans to paid time off and agile working. We recognise that people have multifaceted lives, and we strive to offer a career experience that reflects that.

Location

This position is based in our St James Square, London office. Please note however that this will move to Southwark, London by end 2027.

Travel Requirement

Up to 25% travel should be expected with this role

Relocation Assistance:

Relocation may be negotiable for this role

Remote Type:

This position is a hybrid of office/remote working

Skills:

• Acquisitions and divestments
• Agreements and negotiations
• Contractual risk management
• Economic evaluation methodology
• Financial Analysis
• Financial Modelling
• Influencing
• Joint Venture Structuring
• Stakeholder Engagement

.

Future Location Notice: This role will start in St James' Square, London. bp has announced a planned office move to Timber Square, London, with all positions currently advertised in St James' Square, including this one, expected to relocate around Q4 2027-Q1 2028. This presents an exciting opportunity for all employees and leaders to come together in one London location. The specific date of the move will be confirmed closer to the time.

Legal Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics like race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.
If you are selected for a position and depending on your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.