We currently have a unique opportunity for an experienced Mergers and Acquisitions Manager to join our M&A team here at OCU Group. The role will report directly to the Group M&A Director and will provide support on all M&A matters from deal origination, deal execution and completion. The role will also involve working closely with the operating business units.

OCU is a leading infrastructure, energy transition and engineering service provider in the fast-growing energy and utilities sectors, covering non-regulated energy transition, regulated power, telecoms, water and more. Headquartered in Stockport, our operations span the entire UK, where our circa 5,000 strong team provide services for our blue-chip client base from 52 sites in the UK.

OCU is on an ambitious growth journey. Market opportunities presented by the transition to Net Carbon Zero and significant investment in UK infrastructure will continue to drive significant organic growth whilst the identification, execution and integration of strategic acquisitions will contribute to a significant further scaling of the business over the next 3-5 years.

Our business has a clear ambition and strategy to grow the business to £1bn of revenue over the next 1-2 years but with this growth driven by a desire to be the best in our field, not the biggest. This role therefore provides a unique opportunity to join, shape the journey and accelerate a career at one of the North West’s leading success stories.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough market research to identify potential UK M&A opportunities, sourcing a pipeline of potential deals. Evaluate target companies' financial performance, market position, and strategic fit with OCU.
• Communication and Relationship Building - Acquisition Targets: Initiate and maintain communication with potential targets. Act as a liaison to open doors for further negotiations, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Communication and Relationship Building - Advisors: Develop a working rapport with OCU’s diligence advisors, accountancy firms, investment banks and corporate finance houses. Provide insight and reinforce OCU’s position as a preferred bidder for processes
• Deal Administration: Manage the administration of M&A deals, including preparing presentations, organising virtual data rooms, and coordinating projects.
• Reporting and Presentation: Update OCU management confidently and succinctly on deal progress. Present complex financial information and deal structures in a clear manner to stakeholders at various levels.
• Innovative Thinking: Bring innovative solutions and thinking to the M&A process, demonstrating commercial awareness and having a track record of creative problem-solving in previous roles.
• Confidentiality and Integrity: Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity in all dealings, recognising the sensitive nature of M&A transactions.

Skills and Experience

• Accounting qualification (ACCA/CIMA/ACA).
• Prior M&A experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and negotiate effectively.
• Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to think innovatively and strategically.

Company Information

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms, and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice. We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.

As an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us.