Mergers and Acquisitions Director

JLA Group; Ripponden; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading service provider is seeking a Corporate Development Director to oversee M&A initiatives in their Ripponden office. The successful candidate will manage acquisition strategies, develop financial models, and collaborate with teams for seamless business integration. This role demands strong financial acumen and experience in stakeholder management. The company offers excellent benefits, including a supportive work environment and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Extensive benefits package

Free onsite gym

Flexible working options

Colleague Recognition Scheme

Up to 8 counselling sessions

Qualifications

• Proven track record of M&A buy-side transactions.
• Strong commercial acumen in B2B services.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement M&A strategy.
• Develop and manage acquisition target pipeline.
• Produce Board-level presentations and investment papers.
• Lead buy-side due diligence processes.
• Manage full process from evaluation to negotiations.
• Coordinate cross-functional integration teams.

Skills

M&A execution

Financial modelling

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Strategic analysis

Education

Degree in Finance, Economics, Business or similar

Job description

This role is based in our Ripponden office 4 days a week with 1 day working from home

About our business

JLA has been providing critical assets and services to a range of businesses and sectors including Care Homes, Hospitals, Schools, and Hotels for over 50 years. These assets and services are crucial in supporting customers with their Laundry, Catering, Heating, Fire Safety, Infection Control, and Air Conditioning.

About the role

As Corporate Development Director, you will lead the identification, assessment, and execution of strategic acquisitions and partnerships aligned to JLA’s growth objectives. You will work closely with the Executive Team to evaluate target companies, drive transaction execution, and manage post‑acquisition integration.

Responsibilities

• Formulating and implementing the M&A strategy, under the leadership of the CEO and CFO. Working closely with the Cinven team.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of potential acquisition targets across the UK, Ireland and Europe. Meet potential acquisition targets.
• Build financial models and valuations to assess strategic fit and deal viability.
• Produce Board‑level presentations and investment papers.
• Lead buy‑side due diligence processes collaborating with external advisors and internal stakeholders as appropriate – financial, legal, operational, technology and commercial.
• Manage the full process on opportunity execution; from deal evaluation, producing the investment case and business plan, through to commercial and legal negotiations.
• Create and handover the 90‑day integration plan of new business working closely with the Executive team and functional owners.
• Co‑ordinate cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless integration of acquired businesses.
• Monitor and report on post‑acquisition performance and synergy realisation.

Experience and qualifications required

• Proven track record of executing M&A buy‑side transactions in a corporate, advisory or private equity environment – international experience is desirable.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of B2B services.
• Advanced skills in financial modelling, valuation, and strategic analysis.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• International experience preferable.
• Degree in Finance, Economics, Business or similar.

Benefits

When you join the JLA family, you'll also gain access to an extensive benefits package.

We care about our people and take your well‑being seriously, which is why we offer a range of supportive tools for health and wellbeing, financial guidance, and legal advice. Our Employee Assistance Programme, 24 / 7 Wellness and Lifestyle App plus a dedicated team of Mental Health First Aiders are there to support you through life's challenges. We also offer up to 8 counselling sessions, which can be in‑person or remote, providing you with the support and flexibility to suit your own personal needs. You can reach any fitness goals with our free onsite gym at head office along with a range of other gym membership discounts available.

To offer financial support, we not only provide life assurance coverage, company sick pay, and a company pension scheme, we offer a range of added benefits such as free office parking, eye care vouchers, a cycle‑to‑work scheme, and exclusive discounts through our staff benefits hub.

We really pride ourselves in offering a healthy work‑life balance and believe it is important to have time away to recharge which is why we provide 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, flexible working options, and enhanced family leave policies.

We are a company that appreciates you and invests in your success and even have a Colleague Recognition Scheme to celebrate your achievements. We're dedicated to your growth, offering support in career development and training. We value your referrals, and through our Refer a Friend scheme, you can earn up to £1,000 in bonus rewards!