Corporate Development Director – PE Backed Professional Services Buy-and-Build Platform

SJC Partners is managing the recruitment of a Corporate Development Director for an established buy-and-build platform in the UK, operating in the professional services sector and backed by a major global private equity business.

This is a senior role combining deal origination and execution responsibility. You will proactively identify and engage with prospective sellers, including proprietary deals outside of auctions, build trusted relationships, and manage bolt‑on acquisitions end‑to‑end—from initial approach to completion. You will work closely with the board and private equity sponsors to convert a high‑quality acquisition pipeline into executed deals.

The Role / Responsibilities

• Lead proactive identification of acquisition targets, with a strong focus on proprietary, off‑market transactions.
• Build strong, trust‑based relationships with business owners and advisors.
• Position the group as the preferred buyer in a competitive mid‑market landscape.
• Conduct meetings with prospective sellers and advisors, assessing strategic fit and advancing opportunities through the pipeline.

Deal Execution & Management

• Manage bolt‑on acquisitions end‑to‑end, typically targeting mid‑market deals (£1m–£10m EBITDA).
• Oversee financial, tax, and legal due diligence, ensuring pace, quality, and successful outcomes.
• Prepare and present Investment Committee papers to the board and private equity stakeholders.
• Own and prioritise the deal pipeline, balancing origination and execution efforts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with management teams and vendors, managing expectations around valuation and timing.

Candidate Profile / Experience

• Early career experience in M&A, Transaction Services, or Investment Banking, followed by exposure to in‑house Corporate Development or private equity execution.
• Proven experience in deal origination, including proprietary, off‑market transactions, and managing complex acquisition processes.
• Prior exposure to transaction services / financial due diligence is preferred, or extensive experience managing FDD, tax, and legal processes.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CFq, or CFA qualified.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent commercial judgement and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to credibly engage with business owners and position the group effectively.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple concurrent transactions and stakeholders.

What’s on Offer

• A leading role in a growing, PE‑backed professional services platform.
• Significant exposure to both deal origination and execution, including proprietary off‑market transactions.
• This role offers the opportunity to play a key role in the growth and strategic development of a scaled PE‑backed group.
• For the right candidate, the business is open to offering a management incentive plan or sweet equity, aligned with a planned exit.

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