SCHOOL
MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS CONSULTANT JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Mergers and Acquisitions Consultant
Responsible to: Director of Finance
Main Purpose:
The Mergers and Acquisitions Consultant will provide specialist financial and commercial support to the School in evaluating, executing, and integrating potential merger opportunities. Working closely with the Director of Finance and senior leadership team, the postholder will play a key role across the full transaction lifecycle, including feasibility assessment, due diligence, and post-merger integration planning.
This role requires strong analytical capability, commercial judgement, and experience of working in complex organisational environments. Experience within the education or not-for-profit sector is desirable but not essential.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Feasibility and Initial Assessment
Support the identification and evaluation of potential merger or acquisition targets.
Undertake financial and commercial feasibility assessments, including:
o Review of historical financial performance and forecasts
o Assessment of sustainability, cash flow, and capital requirements
o Analysis of pupil numbers, fee structures, and market positioning
• Identify key risks and opportunities associated with each potential transaction.
Prepare concise reports and briefing papers for the Director of Finance, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and Governors.
2. Due Diligence
• Lead or support the financial due diligence process on prospective merger partners, including:
o Detailed review of financial statements, accounting policies, and controls
o Assessment of working capital, liabilities, debt arrangements, and contingent risks
o Evaluation of pension obligations, staffing costs, and contractual commitments
Coordinate with external advisors (legal, tax, and financial) where engaged.
• Develop due diligence findings, risk registers, and recommendations to support decision-making.
Ensure a clear audit trail and documentation of findings in line with governance expectations.
3. Transaction Support
• Assist in structuring transactions in collaboration with the Director of Finance and external advisors.
Support financial modelling and scenario analysis to inform negotiations.
• Contribute to the preparation of business cases and Board papers.
4. Integration Planning and Delivery
Support the development of post-merger integration plans, including:
o Financial systems and reporting alignment
o Budgeting and financial control frameworks
o Operational integration across functions (finance, HR, estates, IT as required)
• Identify synergy opportunities and track delivery against agreed objectives.
• Assist with transition arrangements, including harmonisation of financial processes and policies.
• Provide hands-on support to the finance team during integration.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting
• Work closely with the Director of Finance, Head, and wider SLT to provide clear, timely updates.
• Prepare high-quality written reports and presentations for governors and committees.
Communicate complex financial information in a clear and practical manner to non-financial stakeholders.
Health and Safety:
All staff should be aware of the school’s health and safety policy and implement it as appropriate.
Safeguarding:
All staff employed by Sedbergh School are expected to take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible or with whom they come into contact.
These roles and responsibilities provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the level of this post.
Sedbergh School is committed to safeguarding & protecting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.