Head of M&A

This internationally operating technical wholesaler specialises in water technology solutions. The organisation supplies a broad range of products for applications including irrigation, swimming pool technology, water transportation, construction, industry and livestock farming. Its customer base includes installers, resellers, industrial customers and manufacturers. With over 300 employees, several commercial locations across Europe and three distribution centres, the organisation has established a strong international presence.

Operating through various local entities, the group combines in-depth market knowledge and a customer-oriented approach with central support and international collaboration. The organisation has ambitious growth objectives, focusing on further international expansion, broadening its product portfolio and strengthening its market position. In addition to organic growth, acquisitions and strategic investments are an important part of its buy-and-build growth strategy.

To achieve these ambitions and further shape its international development, the organisation is looking to appoint an experienced Head of M&A.

As Head of M&A, you will play a key role in the organisation’s continued growth and international development. As the sole M&A professional within the organisation, you will be responsible for developing and executing the acquisition strategy. You will oversee the entire transaction process, from identifying potential acquisition targets and building a pipeline to executing transactions and overseeing post-acquisition integration.

You will work closely with the CEO and CFO. In addition, the private equity shareholder in the United Kingdom will act as the main sparring partner when assessing acquisition opportunities and strategic investment decisions. This provides you with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility, while allowing you to draw on the knowledge and experience of an international investor with expertise in M&A and value creation.

You will be responsible for building and maintaining a relevant acquisition pipeline and actively engaging with potential acquisition targets, entrepreneurs and external advisers. You will assess acquisition opportunities in terms of strategic and financial attractiveness, coordinate the due diligence process, and take the lead in valuations, negotiations and the final execution of transactions.

You will independently establish and develop the M&A function, bringing structure and setting priorities within the acquisition agenda. In doing so, you will manage external advisers and internal stakeholders while monitoring the progress of each transaction. Following the completion of an acquisition, responsibility for the subsequent integration will be transferred to the Integration Manager. You will work closely with the Integration Manager to ensure a smooth handover and successful integration.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop and execute the acquisition strategy in line with the organisation’s international growth objectives.
• Independently build and maintain an acquisition pipeline, identifying and approaching potential acquisition targets.
• Assess acquisition opportunities based on strategic fit, financial attractiveness and value creation potential.
• Prepare business valuations, financial models and investment analyses.
• Coordinate the entire due diligence process, working with internal specialists and external advisers.
• Prepare and lead negotiations, structure transactions and oversee the preparation and completion of acquisition agreements.
• Prepare investment proposals and decision-making documentation for the CEO/CFO/Shareholder and other relevant decision-makers.
• Act as a sparring partner to the CEO/CFO and work closely with the PE shareholder in the United Kingdom to assess and execute transactions.
• Manage and coordinate external advisers and internal teams throughout the transaction process.
• Work with the Integration Manager to prepare and monitor integration plans, including identifying synergies and tracking agreed objectives.
• Further professionalise the M&A process and report on the acquisition pipeline, ongoing transactions and progress against the acquisition strategy.

We are looking for an independent and entrepreneurial M&A professional who can oversee and manage the entire acquisition process. You combine strong analytical skills with strategic insight, commercial acumen and the ability to execute transactions independently.
You thrive in a role in which you take ownership of the content and execution of transactions, coordinate the appropriate external expertise and interact directly with the CEO and the PE shareholder.
• A completed master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Strategy or a related field.
• At least seven years of experience in M&A, Private Equity, Transaction Services or a comparable role within another buy-and-build platform.
• Extensive experience in, and responsibility for, the full M&A process from A to Z, supported by a proven track record.
• A demonstrable track record of successfully executing M&A transactions.
• Strong knowledge of financial modelling, business valuations and investment analysis.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with business leaders, shareholders and external advisers.
• An independent, structured and results-oriented working style, combined with strong influencing skills and a pragmatic approach.
• Excellent command of the English language. Knowledge of additional languages is desirable, depending on the geographical scope of the role.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required for transactions, due diligence and integration activities.

An attractive employment package