Head of M&A

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Head of M&A

Department: M&A

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: London

Description

Join us. Lead with us. Make it count.

Sumer is a fast-growing professional services firm dedicated to championing small and medium businesses and helping communities prosper across the UK and Ireland. M&A is central to how we build and grow - and with a market-leading track record already in place, there is plenty more to come.

This is your opportunity to shape and lead the M&A strategy for one of the most ambitious buy-and-build groups in the market. As Head of M&A, you'll set the pace, direct the vision, and deliver the acquisitions that fuel our future. It's a senior role for a proven dealmaker who thrives in fast-growth environments and can balance strategy, execution and leadership at the highest level.

Reporting to the CFO, the Head M&A will focus on the overall investment thesis of acquisitions and the end-to-end process for a high volume of deals, including pipeline management, valuation, diligence, negotiations and transaction structuring.

The Role

As Head of M&A, you'll work closely with our Executive team and Board to design, drive and deliver our acquisition strategy. You'll be responsible for the full lifecycle of deals, from spotting opportunities and building relationships with business owners, to structuring, negotiating and ensuring smooth handover into integration. Alongside this, you'll lead and grow a talented M&A team, ensuring Sumer has the capability and capacity to deliver at pace.

What you'll get up to:

• Shape and steer Sumer's M&A vision, partnering with the Executive team and Board.
• Build and manage a high-quality pipeline of target businesses aligned with our strategy.
• Partner with the senior teams within our regional Hubs to continually develop and execute our regional specific M&A strategic plans
• Lead negotiations and deal execution, coordinating advisors and managing multiple transactions simultaneously.
• Develop strong external networks to keep Sumer front of mind with business owners and the wider market
• Take ownership of investment papers and deliver clear, impactful recommendations to ExCo, the Board and investors.
• Partner with regional and functional leaders to ensure seamless transition into the integration phase.
• Provide leadership, coaching and stretch opportunities to your M&A team, fostering growth, collaboration and high performance.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced M&A leader who combines sharp commercial judgement with the emotional intelligence to engage at the most senior levels; whether with partners in target firms, investors or our regional Sumer leaders. You'll be as comfortable setting strategy as you are rolling up your sleeves in deal negotiations, and you'll bring the credibility and presence to command a room.

Experience & Technical Skills

• Extensive M&A track record, ideally in buy-and-build, private equity environments.
• Strong experience across the deal lifecycle: origination, valuation, structuring, negotiation and diligence.
• Deep understanding of financial modelling and investment analysis.
• Skilled in managing multiple stakeholders, including advisors, Boards and investors.

Leadership & Mindset

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into delivery.
• Trusted relationship-builder who can influence and inspire.
• Decisive leader who creates a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Passion for developing and growing talent.

What's in it for you

• Direct engagement with our Executive team, Board and investors.
• The chance to lead one of the most active buy-and-build strategies in the market.
• True flexibility, competitive benefits, and investment in your career.
• The excitement of a scale-up with the stability of a growing group.
• UK & Ireland travel to connect with our teams and future partners.

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we know everyone's journey is different. That's why we're committed to fairness, removing barriers and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.

Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:

• We Shine Together
• We Do the Right Thing
• We Make It Count

We know diverse teams make us stronger. That's why we're creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.