VP of Mergers & Acquisitions

Buckingham Search; New Lenox (IL); Remote; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckingham Search is seeking a strategic VP of M&A to lead acquisitions from initial qualification through closing. You will work closely with the CFO and leadership, owning underwriting, diligence, and execution while focusing on getting the right deals done.

The role requires strong financial modeling, experience underwriting $5M-$50M deals, and the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment. Travel to the New Lenox, IL area may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFA a plus.
• 4+ years of M&A underwriting experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, or similar.
• Proven experience underwriting and closing transactions, ideally $5M-$50M enterprise value.
• Strong financial modeling, Excel, and financial statement analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the M&A process from pipeline qualification through closing.
• Underwrite acquisitions, analyze historical performance and Adjusted EBITDA, and pressure-test assumptions.
• Evaluate opportunities against investment criteria and long-term growth objectives.
• Build relationships with sellers, operators, advisors, and industry partners.
• Lead LOI negotiations, due diligence, purchase agreements, and closing processes.
• Manage external legal, accounting, lending, and other transaction advisors.
• Prepare investment committee materials, including deal memos and recommendations.
• Partner with finance and operations teams to ensure smooth transitions at close.
• Monitor industry trends, valuation benchmarks, and competitive dynamics.

Skills

Financial modeling

Excel

Financial statement analysis

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA or CFA preferred

Tools

Excel

Job description

Daily Remote | Travel to New Lenox, IL office when needed

We’re looking for a strategic, self-directed VP of M&A to lead acquisitions from initial qualification through closing. This is a high-autonomy role for someone who enjoys rigorous underwriting, deal execution, negotiation, and making thoughtful capital allocation decisions.

You’ll partner closely with the CFO and leadership team, owning the underwriting, diligence, transaction process, and execution. This role is focused on getting the right deals done, not sourcing or post-close operations.

Responsibilities:

• Own the M&A process from pipeline qualification through closing
• Underwrite acquisitions, analyze historical performance and Adjusted EBITDA, and pressure-test assumptions
• Evaluate opportunities against investment criteria and long-term growth objectives
• Build relationships with sellers, operators, advisors, and industry partners
• Lead LOI negotiations, due diligence, purchase agreements, and closing processes
• Manage external legal, accounting, lending, and other transaction advisors
• Prepare investment committee materials, including deal memos and recommendations
• Partner with finance and operations teams to ensure smooth transitions at close
• Monitor industry trends, valuation benchmarks, and competitive dynamics

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFA a plus
• 4+ years of M&A underwriting experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, or similar
• Proven experience underwriting and closing transactions, ideally $5M-$50M enterprise value
• Strong financial modeling, Excel, and financial statement analysis skills
• Excellent judgment, negotiation, communication, and attention to detail
• High integrity and ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities and traveling as needed