Head of M&A (Pallas)

Jobgether; Portugal; Remote; EUR 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote across Europe

Senior-level role

International environment

Strategic impact on transactions

Job summary

Pallas, in Portugal, seeks a Head of M&A to lead and oversee acquisition transactions within the payments sector. You will drive the deal lifecycle from opportunity assessment to completion, coordinating internal teams and external advisers in a dynamic, international environment.

This senior, hands-on role requires strong financial expertise, pragmatic decision-making, and the ability to influence investment directions across multiple deals and markets.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading M&A from evaluation through completion.
• Strong financial analysis and modelling capabilities.
• Experience in payments/fintech or financial services sector is helpful.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and prioritize effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full M&A transaction lifecycle, from initial opportunity assessment and valuation through due diligence, internal approvals, negotiation and deal completion.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders, specialist teams and external advisers to progress transactions and hit milestones.
• Perform financial and commercial assessments to identify opportunities, risks and value creation.
• Prepare investment proposals and present recommendations to senior decision-makers.
• Identify, evaluate and manage key risks across the deal lifecycle.
• Maintain oversight of multiple active transactions with clear accountability and progress.
• Coordinate post-completion handovers for smooth transition of responsibilities.
• Lead, mentor and support transaction team members to maintain high execution standards.

Skills

M&A leadership

Financial modelling

Stakeholder mgmt

English fluency

Job description

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Head of M&A (Pallas) based in Portugal.

As Head of M&A, you will lead and oversee acquisition transactions within the payments sector, managing the entire deal lifecycle from initial assessment to completion and post-transaction handover. You will play a key role in identifying attractive investment opportunities, assessing their strategic and financial potential, and driving successful transactions. Working closely with senior stakeholders, founders, internal teams and external advisers, you will ensure that every acquisition is carefully evaluated and efficiently executed. This is a senior, hands-on position offering significant responsibility and the opportunity to influence investment decisions. You will operate in a dynamic, international environment where commercial judgement, financial expertise and decisive leadership are essential. The role also offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of transaction capabilities and support the long-term growth of businesses in the payments ecosystem.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the full M&A transaction lifecycle, from initial opportunity assessment and valuation through due diligence, internal approvals, negotiation and deal completion.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders, specialist teams and external advisers to ensure transactions progress efficiently and meet key milestones.
• Conduct financial and commercial assessments, identifying investment opportunities, potential challenges and value creation opportunities.
• Prepare clear, structured investment proposals and present recommendations to senior decision-makers to support strategic acquisition decisions.
• Identify, evaluate and manage key commercial, financial, operational and regulatory risks throughout the transaction process.
• Maintain oversight of multiple active transactions, ensuring accurate reporting, clear accountability and consistent progress.
• Coordinate post-completion handovers to ensure a smooth transition and effective transfer of responsibilities.
• Lead, mentor and support transaction team members where applicable, encouraging high standards of execution and collaboration.

Requirements:

• Significant professional experience leading and executing M&A transactions from initial evaluation through to successful completion.
• Strong financial expertise, including financial analysis, valuation, financial modelling and due diligence.
• Experience in the payments, fintech, financial services or software sectors is highly desirable.
• Strong commercial judgement, with the ability to assess investment opportunities, identify risks and make sound, pragmatic decisions.
• Proven ability to manage several transactions and competing priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and momentum.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with confidence in engaging senior executives, business founders, investment professionals and external advisers.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, particularly when preparing and delivering investment recommendations.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• A collaborative, accountable and detail-oriented approach, combined with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Discretion and professionalism when handling confidential and commercially sensitive information.

Benefits:

• Full-time, permanent position with 37.5 working hours per week.
• Remote working opportunities across Europe.
• Senior-level responsibility and direct involvement in strategic investment and acquisition decisions.
• Opportunity to work on transactions within the growing payments and financial technology sectors.
• Exposure to an international business environment and collaboration with experienced professionals and senior stakeholders.
• Opportunity to contribute to the development of M&A capabilities and support long-term business growth.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!