M & A Research Analyst

Wates; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction and development company seeks a highly analytical M&A Research Analyst to drive strategic growth through market assessments, target identification, and support for transactions. The ideal candidate will have a degree or equivalent experience, strong analytical skills, and a proactive mindset. This role offers a flexible hybrid working model and opportunities for professional development within a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working model

Opportunities for professional development

Competitive salary and benefits package

Qualifications

• Experience in corporate development, strategy, or M&A research.
• Confident presenter with the ability to communicate effectively.
• Comfortable working independently and within hybrid teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed market assessments into new and adjacent markets.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of acquisition targets.
• Assist on transactions and manage Virtual Data Rooms.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Effective communication

Collaborative team player

Attention to detail

Market analysis tools familiarity

Office 365 proficiency

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

We're on the lookout for a highly analytical and commercially minded M&A Research Analyst to join our Corporate Development team! ?? This newly created role is central to our strategic growth agenda, focusing on market expansion and mergers & acquisitions (M&A).

You'll work closely with our Corporate Development Director to explore new and adjacent markets, identify acquisition targets, and support transaction execution. If you thrive on data, strategy, and making a real impact - we want to hear from you! ??

What You'll Be Doing

Market Assessment & Strategy

• Perform detailed market assessments into new and adjacent markets.
• Analyse new products/services linked to growth.
• Build strategic entry plans including competitive landscape and regulatory insights.
• Conduct competitor analysis and enhance external market intelligence.

M&A Target Identification

• Build and maintain a pipeline of acquisition targets.
• Perform strategic fit assessments and develop target profiles.
• Conduct outreach with potential targets to assess suitability and build relationships.
• Produce RFIs for potential targets.
• Review IMs and make recommendations on relevant opportunities to Corp Dev Director.
• Work closely with advisory network and partners.

Transaction Support

• Assist the CDD on transactions and manage programmes.
• Manage Virtual Data Rooms and coordinate due diligence.
• Support integration planning and post-deal reporting.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate across WPS teams on strategic initiatives.
• Engage with external advisors, targets, and industry experts.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership.

Qualifications

Experience in corporate development, strategy, or M&A research.

Strong analytical skills and ability to turn data into insights.

Confident presenter and effective communicator.

Collaborative team player with a proactive mindset.

High attention to detail and accuracy.

Comfortable working independently and in hybrid teams.

Familiarity with market analysis tools and CRM systems is a plus.

Proficient in Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint).

Skilled in producing reports, board packs, and business cases.

Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience.

A strategic role at the heart of our growth journey.

Flexible hybrid working model.

Opportunities for professional development and leadership exposure.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.

To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting