Executive Head : Mergers & Acquisitions

Vodafone; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Vodafone is seeking an executive to join its Corporate M&A team, focusing on evaluating merger and acquisition opportunities across Africa. The candidate will support Vodacom's growth strategies by developing and executing M&A strategies, advising on financials, and leading business development initiatives. A Master's degree along with at least ten years of relevant experience in M&A or corporate finance is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; MBA or CA (SA) preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years in M&A or corporate development.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills emphasized.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate M&A opportunities and lead strategies to support growth.
• Coordinate M&A initiatives and maintain analysis for targets.
• Provide financial advice and support business development.

Skills

Analytical

Financial modeling

Valuation skills

Communication

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Education

Master's degree in Business, Finance, or Economics

MBA

CA (SA)

CFA

Job description

When it comes to putting people first, we're number 1.

The number 1 Top Employer in South Africa.

Certified by the Top Employer Institute 2025.

Role Purpose / Business Unit :

• We are seeking a vibrant and dynamic executive to join our in-house Corporate M&A team. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating across various levels of seniority and possess the ability to engage in both technical and operational matters. This role is crucial in executing Vodacom's inorganic growth aspirations across the 8 African countries where we have a presence.
• Areas of focus include mobile network operations, fintech investment, development of infrastructure assets including Towers, fibre, and data centres, information and communication technologies, and new opportunities.

Your responsibilities will include :

Evaluate merger and acquisition opportunities

• Develop and execute M&A and corporate development strategies to support Vodacom's growth objectives.
• Consider, review, and recommend for evaluation, selected merger and acquisition opportunities based on criteria such as targeted countries or regions, potential revenue, size of economy, etc., specifically focusing on Rest of Africa.
• Lead the initiation and coordination of evaluation for selected M&A opportunities – providing direction to business heads, supervising input from external advisors, coordinating compliance, tax, due diligence, financial, legal, etc., requirements.
• Liaise with Vodafone M&A business heads, internal technical specialists (legal, tax, etc.), and local company/operating company leaders, as necessary.
• Maintain up-to-date valuation scenario analysis on specific M&A targets. Build and maintain a knowledge management system and processes to track valuation multiples and sector transactions.

Evaluate disinvestments

• Assess disinvestment proposals based on internal directives.
• Review business cases, considering rationale, financial impact, strategic reasons for disinvestment, etc.
• Evaluate potential purchasers’ ability to absorb the business and meet proposed terms.

Function as corporate financial advisor to Vodacom Group

• Provide financial advice (DCF, impairment calculations, WACC, cash flow analysis) to support finance and accounting functions.

Business Development

• Lead and engage the organization in identifying new business opportunities.
• Coordinate information collection, market analysis, and develop business cases.
• Challenge and validate financial and commercial data.
• Work with advisors to develop deal structures and negotiate key deal parameters.

Customers, Suppliers & Third Parties

• Manage engagement and contracting of external parties.

Leadership

• Manage project outputs and team productivity.
• Contribute to internal presentations, reports, and analyses.

The ideal candidate for this role will have :

• Master's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related; MBA, CA (SA), or CFA preferred.
• Proven experience in M&A, corporate development, investment banking, management consulting, or corporate law.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and valuation skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• High integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

Technical / Professional Expertise

• Experience in corporate finance/advisory with tax and legal knowledge.
• Knowledge of economics, policies, regulations affecting M&A, and current affairs.

Competency / Performance Drivers

• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Research-oriented with a questioning mind.
• Project management and execution capabilities.
• Team player, capable of working across markets.

Closing date for Applications : 24 February 2025.

The base location for this role is Midrand, Vodacom Campus.

The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.

Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.