M&A Senior Manager

dentsu; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in transformation is seeking an experienced M&A Senior Manager to lead complex transactions and drive the company's growth strategy. This role demands strong strategic thinking, financial analysis, and cross-functional leadership. Key responsibilities include overseeing M&A execution, managing deal teams, and conducting financial modeling. Ideal candidates will have prior M&A experience, particularly in the media and technology sectors, alongside strong analytical and interpersonal skills. This is a permanent position based in London with a hybrid work model.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Tailored benefits package

Hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in Mergers and Acquisitions and managing transactions.
• Preferred experience from a Big 4 accounting firm or investment bank.
• Experience in the media and technology sectors is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of M&A transactions.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on M&A strategy.
• Conduct financial analysis and modeling for investment opportunities.
• Manage cross-functional deal teams and due diligence processes.
• Provide support for post-closing activities.

Skills

Accounting or finance experience

Strong analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking ability

Proficiency in MS Office

Education

Relevant accounting or banking certifications

Job description

Job Description : Introduction

Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world’s leading organisations. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo, Japan and now present in over 145 countries and regions, it has a proven track record of nurturing and developing innovations that combine the talents of its global network of leadership brands to create impactful and integrated growth solutions for clients. Dentsu delivers end-to-end experience transformation (EX) by integrating its services across Media CXM and Creative while its business transformation (BX) mindset pushes the boundaries of transformation and sustainable growth for brands, people and society.

We are hiring an M&A Senior Manager to work from our office in London.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced M&A Senior Manager to lead complex transactions and support the development of the company’s inorganic growth strategy. This role requires a strong blend of strategic thinking, financial acumen and cross‑functional leadership to drive successful execution of acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and other investment structures.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy and Pipeline Development

• Collaborate with senior leadership to define and refine the M&A strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Identify and assess potential acquisition, divestment, JV and internal investment opportunities.
• Maintain and manage a dynamic deal pipeline including market scanning, target profiling and strategic fit assessments.
• Support strategic reviews and portfolio optimisation initiatives.

2. Transaction Management

• Lead end‑to‑end execution of M&A transactions including acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures.
• Assemble and manage cross‑functional deal teams across Legal, Tax, Finance, HR and Operations.
• Oversee due diligence processes ensuring comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation planning.
• Drive negotiation of key deal terms working closely with internal stakeholders and external advisors.

3. Financial Analysis & Modelling

• Build and review complex financial models to evaluate investment opportunities, including DCF, market comps and accretion/dilution analyses.
• Conduct synergy assessments and scenario planning to support strategic decision‑making.
• Develop robust investment cases and valuation materials for executive and board‑level review.
• Provide financial insights to support negotiations and deal structuring.

4. Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal corporate functions throughout the transaction lifecycle.
• Liaise with target company management, external advisors (including accountants, lawyers, consultants) and regulatory bodies.

5. Post‑Closing Support

• Provide ongoing support for post‑closing activities, including earn‑outs, deferred payments and legal restructurings.

Skills / Qualifications

• Relevant accounting or banking certifications preferred.
• Accounting or finance experience, preferably from a Big 4 accounting firm, investment bank or similar institution; experience in media and technology sectors preferred.
• Past experience in Mergers and Acquisitions and managing transactions is critical.
• Experience working in the media sector a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and experience working with financial models.
• Proven ability to interact with people at all levels of an organization, fostering strong cross‑functional teamwork and results.
• Strategic thinking ability with a balanced analytical and creative approach.
• High‑level proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.

What we offer

• This is a permanent role.
• The team is based in London and works on a hybrid basis.
• You will receive a competitive salary and a benefits package that can be tailored to your needs.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Dentsu we embrace diversity and inclusion, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation, benefiting our employees, partners and communities.

We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status or any other protected characteristic. Beyond recruitment we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

We recognise the importance of work‑life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements for all roles. If you need reasonable adjustments due to a disability or medical condition during our recruitment process please contact us and quote the reference number of the role that you are applying for. Your needs will be handled with respect and confidentiality to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Location: London

Brand: Global Functions

Time Type: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent

Vacancy: 1