Corporate Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions Senior Manager

We are seeking an experienced Corporate Finance Manager to lead and manage complex mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions while supporting the execution of strategic business objectives. The successful candidate will oversee transaction teams, manage client engagements, provide technical leadership, and contribute to business development initiatives. This role requires strong commercial acumen, exceptional financial modelling and valuation skills, and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders throughout the transaction lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Transaction Management

• Lead and manage complex corporate finance and M&A transactions independently or with minimal supervision.
• Take overall responsibility and accountability for the execution and delivery of assigned transactions.
• Manage buy-side, sell-side, capital raising, restructuring, and B-BBEE transactions.
• Coordinate all aspects of transaction execution, ensuring quality, timelines, and client expectations are met.

Financial Analysis & Valuation

• Develop and review complex financial models.
• Perform business valuations using various methodologies, including:
  • Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)
  • Trading Multiples
  • Transaction Multiples
  • Other accepted valuation techniques
• Analyse financial performance and identify key value drivers.
• Assess optimal transaction and capital structures.

Transaction Execution

• Prepare and review:
  • Pitch books
  • Information memoranda
  • Management presentations
  • Client reports
  • Financial analyses
  • Stakeholder communications
• Draft and review transaction-related documentation.
• Provide commercial input into legal agreements and transaction documentation.
• Liaise with legal, tax, regulatory, due diligence, and other external advisers throughout the transaction process.

Research & Strategic Analysis

• Conduct detailed industry and sector research to support transaction execution and business development.
• Prepare positioning papers outlining transaction rationale, structure, risks, and strategic implications.
• Evaluate shareholding structures and corporate documentation to determine transaction implications.
• Identify market opportunities and emerging industry trends.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, investors, advisers, and internal stakeholders.
• Facilitate strategic discussions and brainstorming sessions around potential transactions.
• Present transaction findings and recommendations to senior executives and decision-makers.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop junior team members.
• Allocate work effectively and provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Report regularly to senior leadership on transaction progress and key developments.

Business Development

• Support business development and marketing initiatives.
• Contribute to proposal development, client pitches, and networking opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and generate new business.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Commerce, Business Science, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• CA(SA), CFA, or CIMA qualification will be advantageous.
• A postgraduate qualification in Business Management or a related discipline is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in Corporate Finance.
• At least 5 years’ experience in Mergers & Acquisitions.
• Minimum of 3 years’ people management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex corporate finance transactions from origination through execution.