M&A Analyst

ABOUT NEXTSTEP

NextStep connects top consulting talent with high-potential opportunities through smart, AI-powered matching. We partner with ambitious companies across sectors to place experienced professionals in roles where they can have a real impact. On behalf of a client in our partner network, we are currently looking for an M&A Analyst to join their team.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our client is a PE-backed buy-and-build platform operating in the professional services and outsourcing sector, headquartered in London. Backed by a mid-market private equity firm, they have completed 12 acquisitions in the past three years and are actively pursuing further targets across the UK and Ireland. The corporate development team is small, fast-moving, and highly analytical, working directly with the CFO and CEO on every transaction.

THE ROLE

As an M&A Analyst, you will support the full deal lifecycle, from origination and screening through to due diligence, financial modelling, and post-merger integration tracking. You will work on multiple live transactions simultaneously and gain direct exposure to every stage of the M&A process in a high-volume environment.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Build and maintain detailed financial models for acquisition targets, including LBO models, DCF valuations, and returns analysis.

• Conduct market and competitive research to support deal origination and strategic fit assessment.

• Support due diligence processes, coordinating with legal, financial, and operational advisors.

• Prepare investment committee materials summarising deal rationale, key risks, and financial projections.

• Track post-acquisition integration milestones and flag performance variances to the deal team.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 2–4 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, transaction services, or a corporate development role.

• Strong financial modelling skills, including experience with LBO and DCF frameworks.

• Highly detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple workstreams under time pressure.

• Clear communicator, able to summarise complex financial analysis for a non-technical audience.

• Exposure to buy-side M&A or PE-backed businesses is a strong advantage.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base salary of £55,000 – £75,000, depending on experience.

• Deal-based bonus and discretionary annual award.

• Co-investment opportunities on select transactions.

• Private health, pension, and 25 days holiday with a central London office base.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this role, please create your profile at getnextstep.com https://getnextstep.com/candidate/landing?utm_medium=job-board&utm_source=job-board. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the role criteria and match you with the company if it's a strong fit. No cover letter required.

This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.