Managing Director - Head of Mergers & Acquisitions

Job Summary

The Managing Director - Head of Mergers & Acquisitions will lead and oversee the firm's M&A advisory practice, driving all aspects of deal origination, client coverage, and transaction execution. This senior leadership role requires a proven M&A dealmaker with extensive experience advising clients on complex buy‑side and sell‑side transactions, deep client relationships, and a demonstrated ability to build and scale a high‑performing team. The Managing Director - Head of M&A will set the strategic direction for the practice while ensuring best‑in‑class execution and consistent revenue growth.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Practice Management

• Lead and manage the firm's M&A group, setting strategic priorities and driving overall platform growth.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor M&A bankers across all levels, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture.
• Establish execution standards and ensure full compliance with regulatory and internal policies.
• Represent the M&A practice in senior leadership discussions and strategic planning initiatives.

Client Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate executives, founders, private equity firms, venture investors, and strategic acquirers.
• Lead business development efforts by originating new mandates and expanding existing client relationships.
• Serve as the senior advisor throughout M&A processes, providing trusted strategic guidance on valuation, negotiations, and transaction alternatives.

Transaction Execution

• Oversee end‑to‑end execution of buy‑side and sell‑side M&A transactions, including due diligence, valuation, strategic analysis, and deal structuring.
• Guide the preparation of confidential information memoranda, management presentations, financial models, and other transaction materials.
• Lead negotiations with counterparties and coordinate closely with legal, tax, accounting, and internal teams to ensure smooth execution and optimal outcomes.
• Provide thought leadership on strategic positioning, competitive dynamics, and market trends impacting deal processes.

Market Analysis & Strategic Direction

• Monitor M&A market activity, valuation trends, sector dynamics, and macroeconomic drivers.
• Develop and refine the firm's M&A growth strategy to align with industry trends and client demand.
• Provide market insights and strategic recommendations to firm leadership, including competitive positioning and long‑term business development priorities.

Financial & Business Performance

• Own P&L for the M&A practice, driving revenue growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and staffing plans.
• Prepare and present performance updates, pipeline reviews, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• 12-20+ years of investment banking or M&A advisory experience, with deep experience leading complex transactions.
• Proven ability to source deals, manage senior‑level client relationships, and negotiate major transactions.
• Demonstrated leadership experience running a team or practice area.
• Strong transaction execution background across multiple sectors (or sector specialization, if applicable).

Skills

• Exceptional strategic thinking and commercial judgment.
• Advanced knowledge of valuation techniques, negotiation strategies, and transaction structuring.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and client‑facing skills.
• Ability to lead, inspire, and develop high‑performing teams.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and leadership presence.

Location:

Chicago, IL or New York City, NY