Corporate Development Director - PE-Backed Buy-and-Build Platform

SJC Partners is managing the recruitment of a Corporate Development Director for a newly established, private equity-backed buy-and-build platform operating within a specialist technical services market. Backed by a leading global private equity sponsor, the business is pursuing an ambitious acquisition strategy within a fragmented, resilient market characterised by recurring revenues and significant consolidation opportunities across the UK and Ireland. This is a senior, hands-on role at the forefront of a new platform build, responsible for originating, executing and integrating bolt-on acquisitions across the UK and Ireland. The Role: As Corporate Development Director, you will own and drive the Group's M&A strategy and execution from day one, playing a central role in building a market-leading platform through disciplined acquisition and integration. Working closely with the CEO, the private equity sponsor and senior leadership team, you will lead transactions end-to-end - from origination and execution through to post-merger integration - helping to deliver an ambitious acquisition strategy. Key Responsibilities:\n

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• Shape and deliver the Group's M&A strategy in line with the investment thesis.
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• Originate and execute bolt-on acquisitions (typically EBITDA £1m - £5m).
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• Lead the full deal lifecycle, including origination, due diligence, execution and post-merger integration.
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• Manage and coordinate financial, tax and legal due diligence processes.
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• Oversee transaction structuring, negotiations and execution risk.
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• Partner with the CEO and the private equity sponsor on strategic initiatives, investment materials and acquisition pipeline development.
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• Build and maintain relationships with business owners, advisers and other key stakeholders to support a proactive acquisition pipeline.
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Candidate Profile\n

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• 7–10 years' transaction experience, with the ideal candidate currently operating in a Corporate Development role with responsibility for leading M&A activity, underpinned by earlier experience in Investment Banking or M&A Advisory.
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• Proven experience executing mid-market acquisitions within a buy-and-build environment.
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• Experience sourcing and completing bolt-on acquisitions from origination through to integration.
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• Hands-on experience managing financial, tax and legal due diligence (prior Transaction Services/FDD experience advantageous).
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• Strong track record of successfully completed transactions.
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• Excellent financial modelling, valuation and commercial analysis skills.
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• Experience leading or supporting post-merger integration within a PE-backed business.
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• Commercially astute, analytical and confident operating with senior executives, shareholders and external advisers.
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• Entrepreneurial, proactive and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
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Location UK and Ireland-based role with flexibility for remote or hybrid working, depending on candidate preference and proximity to a regional hub.Package An exceptional opportunity to join a newly established, private equity-backed platform at the outset of its investment journey. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in delivering an ambitious buy-and-build strategy within a resilient technical services market, working closely with an experienced leadership team and private equity sponsor. The role offers significant autonomy, direct exposure to the CEO and private