Operational Deal Services Associate Director

More than you expected

Grant Thornton UK LLP is part of a global network of independent audit, tax and advisory firms, made up of some 73,000 people in over 150 countries. Were a team of independent thinkers who put quality, inclusion and integrity first. All around the world we bring a different experience to our clients. A better experience. One that delivers the expertise they need in a way that goes beyond. Personal, proactive, and agile. Thats Grant Thornton.

Job Description:

MORE THAN YOU EXPECTED

Every day our teams help people in businesses and communities to do what is right and achieve their goals.

Our Operational Deal Services team advises clients on the operational aspects of transactions and on how to maximise their value. We also specialise in supporting clients with the design and implementation of organisation-wide change programmes that create a sustainable legacy well after the deal is done. We pride ourselves not just in providing insights during the pre-deal phase but in becoming a transformation partner and critical friend for our clients during the deal and beyond; helping them to solve complex problems effectively.

We work pre and post-deal, for corporate and private equity institutions in the financial services sector, especially specialist lending, insurance (carriers and brokers), and investment management. We support transactions ranging from owner-managed businesses being sold, to £billion + mergers. Our core service offerings are: carve outs/separations (buy side and sell side), synergy assessments, integrations, operational due diligence (buy side and sell side), and post-deal operational improvement/value creation.

As part of the wider Business Consulting team within Grant Thornton, we work with a high calibre team of subject matter experts in IT, HR, Finance and Business Operations as well as the other Grant Thornton Deals Advisory teams working across the deal life cycle. Our work is mainly UK-based but often has an international dimension where clients have, or are looking to acquire, operations in other territories. We work closely with other Grant Thornton International member firms in delivering international work and our team is one of several Operational Deals capability centres of excellence globally.

We’re happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares; we’ll support you to balance your work and life.

A look into the role

As an Associate Director within our Operational Deal Services team, you will:

1. Lead day-to-day client relationships for a range of project sizes and take responsibility for client delivery, including leading client meetings and workshops, presentation of project outputs and report drafting.
2. Interpret and analyse complex information, identify business issues and apply technical knowledge appropriately to provide appropriate client solutions.
3. Create a positive team working environment and work effectively and enthusiastically with all members of the team. You’ll show leadership and always be prepared to get involved.
4. Prepare sales proposals and pitches and leverage your established external network. You’ll have a track record of proactively building internal and external networks to generate opportunities through the qualification of leads and continue to do this at Grant Thornton.
5. Understand the services of Grant Thornton and take an active role in cross-selling whilst raising the awareness of Operational Deal Services within the Firm.
6. Support the provision of on the job training to Managers, Assistant Managers and Associates, including providing regular feedback and seeking the same from them to you.
7. Assist the Directors and Partners with the day-to-day running of the department, leading internal initiatives, and providing an appropriate level of delegation and support to other team members.
8. Take overall responsibility for project budgeting and management of actual costs versus budget.

Knowing you’re right for us

Joining us as an Associate Director, theminimum criteriayou’ll need is to have:

1. A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
2. Significant knowledge and experience of two or more of our core Operational Deal Services offerings (i.e. carve outs/separations, synergy assessments, integrations, operational due diligence, and post-deal operational improvement/value realisation), in at least one of the following focus sub-sectors: specialist lending, insurance (carriers and brokers), or investment management. Candidates with retail banking experience will also be considered if their experience is combined with one of our focus sub-sectors.
3. Demonstrated experience of leading teams in complex fast-paced environments.
4. Experience in a professional services firm or operating in a similar advisory capacity (while working as part of teams) on transactions. Extensive experience of preparing and reviewing high-quality written reports, Excel analysis, and presentations.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
6. Project management and/or change management and/or transformation skills.
7. Strong analytical skills.
8. Excellent Microsoft Office skills, particularly PowerPoint and Excel.

It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way:

1. Foreign language skills.
2. An accountancy or other finance qualification.
3. A programme management qualification.

Knowing we’re right for you

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people. We never settle for what is easy; we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.

Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.

Beyond the job

Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter; that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance.

The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society.

It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.

We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people, and themselves.It’s how it should be.

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