Senior M&A Counsel

Black Pen Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Senior M&A Counsel to join a Global Corporate Legal team. This role involves driving the company's inorganic growth strategy through complex transactions and managing all phases of the M&A lifecycle. The ideal candidate will possess significant post-qualification experience in public and private M&A, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to provide legal and strategic advice. The position offers a hybrid working model and supports relocation options.

Qualifications

• 8-12 years of post-qualification experience focused on M&A.
• Extensive experience leading international transactions.
• Ability to operate independently in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A transactions.
• Draft and negotiate complex legal agreements.
• Advise on transaction structures and negotiation strategies.

Skills

Qualified to practice law in a major jurisdiction

Strong business acumen

Exceptional project management skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Deep expertise in transaction documents

Education

LL.B., J.D. or equivalent law degree

MBA or advanced degree in business or finance

Job description

Our client believes in the power of Virtual Advancementleveraging digital innovation and strategic foresight to help businesses excel in a rapidly evolving world. With a focus on agility and adaptability they work alongside organisations to simplify complexity enhance operations and implement strategies that foster long-term success.

Their team partners with startups SMEs and large enterprises across various industries enabling clients to harness technology data and strategic insight to gain sustainable competitive advantage. From expanding into new markets to building resilient financial roadmaps our client serves as a trusted advisor committed to creating meaningful impact Whether the goal is operational optimisation or future-focused growth our client delivers the clarity and capability needed to navigate change and lead with confidence

Role Overview

Our client is seeking an accomplished and highly strategic Senior M&A Counsel to join their Global Corporate Legal team. This senior-level position is integral to driving the companys inorganic growth strategy through mergers acquisitions joint ventures and other strategic investments on a global scale. The ideal candidate will have extensive end-to-end experience leading complex international transactions. Reporting to the Head of Corporate Legal you will act as a primary legal advisor and project manager for all phases of the M&A lifecycle from initial target identification and due diligence through to negotiation closing and post-merger integration. This role demands a lawyer with exceptional commercial acumen negotiation skills and the ability to operate independently in a dynamic fast-paced environment.

Job type: Full Time / Permanent

Workplace: Hybrid

Relocation to Thailand Dubai or Malta is supported

Requirements

• Qualified to practice law in a major common law or civil law jurisdiction (e.g. UK USA EU member state etc.).
• LL.B. J.D. or equivalent law degree from a top-tier university.
• Admission to the Bar in a recognized jurisdiction.
• An MBA or other advanced degree in business or finance would be an asset but is not required.
• A minimum of 8-12 years of significant post-qualification experience (PQE) focused on public and private M&A with substantial experience gained at a top-tier international law -house M&A experience at a multinational corporation is a strong plus.
• Proven track record of leading complex cross-border M&A transactions throughout the entire deal lifecycle.
• Deep expertise in drafting and negotiating sophisticated transaction documents.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to understand and advise on the commercial and financial drivers of a transaction.
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to lead multiple projects and workstreams in a fast-paced deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills capable of building strong relationships and advising senior executives with confidence and clarity.
• A high degree of professional ethics integrity and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

Transaction Execution and Management

• Lead and manage all legal aspects of M&A and investment transactions from start to finish including structuring due diligence negotiation and closing.
• Draft review and negotiate a wide range of complex legal agreements including letters of intent (LOIs) term sheets share purchase agreements asset purchase agreements joint venture agreements and shareholder agreements.
• Oversee and coordinate the due diligence process working closely with internal business teams (e.g. Finance HR Tech) and external advisors to identify analyze and mitigate legal and commercial risks.
• Provide clear and pragmatic counsel to senior leadership and business development teams on transaction structures key deal terms and negotiation strategies.

Strategic Advisory and Pipeline Development

• Partner with the corporate development team to evaluate potential acquisition targets joint venture partners and strategic investment opportunities.
• Provide early-stage legal and structural advice on potential deals to ensure alignment with the companys long-term strategic goals.
• Stay abreast of market trends in M&A and advise on deal structures and terms prevalent in the technology gaming and digital sectors.

Post-Closing Integration and Portfolio Management

• Manage the legal aspects of post-merger integration ensuring a smooth transition of the acquired business its assets and employees in compliance with all legal requirements.
• Assist in managing the legal affairs of acquired entities and joint ventures within the corporate portfolio.
• Develop and continuously improve M&A playbooks templates and internal processes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the companys deal execution capabilities.

Employment Type: Full Time