Strategy & Transactions (SaT) - M&A Advisory - Director

Ernst & Young GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global professional services firm is seeking an M&A Advisory Director to lead high-profile transactions. The successful candidate will manage end-to-end M&A processes, leveraging strong financial acumen and leadership skills. Responsibilities include building relationships with clients, supervising junior members, and ensuring compliance with quality management guidelines. This role features opportunities for career progression and a competitive remuneration package, reflecting the firm's commitment to career development and employee well-being.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Health and well-being benefits

Hybrid working options

Free gym membership

Pension

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in M&A Lead Advisory.
• Ability to manage complex financial transactions.
• Experience mentoring and supervising junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage M&A transactions from start to finish.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Prepare financial reports and presentations for clients.

Skills

Numerical and financial skills

Strong communication

Commercial acumen

Financial analysis

Education

Relevant analytical or financial qualifications

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Strategy & Transactions (SaT) - M&A Advisory – Director

Location: Cork

Other locations: Anywhere in County

Business Area: SaT

Contract Type: Full-Time – Permanent

Available for Work Visa Sponsorship: No

The Team and the Opportunity

We provide core corporate finance services including Lead Advisory M&A, management buy‑outs/buy‑ins, capital raising, investment readiness assessments and strategic advice. The team covers a diverse set of industries and includes a Debt Advisory component that supports all clients on the island of Ireland. With a fast‑growing presence, we are hiring Managers, Associate Directors and Directors with M&A Advisory experience across our Irish offices.

About SaT (Strategy and Transactions)

By helping organisations of all sizes evaluate and navigate transactions, maximise opportunities and minimise risks, you will help clients manage and execute high‑profile transactions. You will leverage analytical skills and real‑world experience to address diverse challenges and support clients in achieving their strategic objectives through transaction management.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Work in a dynamic team environment.
• Understand the financial implications of transactions.
• Innovatively source and use information, making sensible assumptions where appropriate.
• Absorb new technical data quickly and develop a deep understanding of the strategic rationale for transactions.
• Partner with clients to take proposals to market, identify target buyers, funders or partners, present opportunities effectively, negotiate, and structure transactions with other professionals to successful completion.
• Review and prepare complex reports and presentations for clients.
• Maintain strong market knowledge and identify business development opportunities.

Skills and Attributes for Success

• Excellent numerical and financial skills with a solid understanding of financial statements.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• High commercial acumen and ability to identify key issues and suggest workable solutions.
• Proficiency in detailed financial and commercial analysis and sensitivity assessment.

Role Requirements

• Manage sell‑side mandates, optimally positioning assets or businesses, identifying target bidders, preparing Information Memoranda, and negotiating commercial terms.
• Manage buy‑side mandates, identifying targets and working with clients to structure and negotiate successful transactions.
• Support clients with a diverse range of strategic mandates relating to M&A.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, investors, other stakeholders.
• Supervise and mentor junior team members, fostering professional development.
• Ensure the quality of client deliverables through meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrate self‑awareness by seeking feedback on performance and driving personal development.
• Show prior experience and strong knowledge of the Corporate Finance landscape.

Your Duties and Responsibilities

• Originate, lead, and manage M&A transactions end‑to‑end under the supervision of Directors or Partners within SaT M&A Advisory in Ireland and internationally.
• Work effectively as a team member by sharing responsibility, providing support, maintaining communication, and updating senior members on progress.
• Understand client requirements, co‑develop approaches, and provide value through insights and advice.
• Gather, verify, and analyze information to formulate views.
• Plan, prepare, and review deliverables such as information memoranda, reports, and presentations.
• Anticipate and identify risks, escalating appropriately to senior staff.
• Support and drive deal origination and sector insight initiatives by identifying and analyzing business development opportunities.
• Ensure work is executed, documented, and concluded in compliance with Quality & Risk Management guidelines.
• Actively establish, maintain, and strengthen external and internal relationships.
• Mentor and develop junior members, providing constructive feedback formally and informally.
• Continuously upgrade technical knowledge and personal skills.

Technical Skill Requirements

• Extensive experience and deep technical knowledge of the Corporate Finance landscape, with a focus on M&A Lead Advisory and a track record of end‑to‑end transaction work.
• Effective communication with key stakeholders.
• Advanced commercial acumen.
• Proficient in detailed financial and commercial analysis and sensitivity assessment.
• Ability to identify key issues on assignments and suggest workable solutions.
• Experience presenting findings clearly in reports and other client deliverables.

Additional Requirements

• Relevant analytical or financial qualifications.
• Strong commercial experience and/or relevant industry experience.
• Analytical approach coupled with strong commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Advanced IT skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Effective time management.
• Ability to keep calm under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Team player with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels, capable of working independently with initiative and judgement.

What Working at EY Offers

We offer a competitive remuneration package and a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes support for flexible working, career development, and a range of benefits tailored to individual preferences, such as holidays, health and well‑being, insurance, savings, and a variety of discounts, offers, and promotions.

• Support and coaching from engaging colleagues.
• Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career.
• The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in the way that’s right for you.
• Pension.
• Discounted health insurance.
• WebDoctor – free unlimited online GP consultations for you and your family.
• Additional annual leave purchase.
• Hybrid working options.
• Free gym membership.
• Travel Pass.
• Maternity & paternity leave.
• Bike to work scheme.
• Recognition awards.
• Cash incentives for referrals.
• TECH MBA paid by EY.
• Wellness rooms (available in some offices).

Inclusion & Diversity

We are an inclusive employer committed to fostering an environment where all differences are valued and respected. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process, and believe that diverse and inclusive teams maximize innovation and client service.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

To help create the best experience during the recruitment process, please describe any disability‑related adjustments or accommodations you may need.

We look forward to your application.