United Kingdom onlyAbout NextStep
NextStep connects top consulting talent with high-potential opportunities through smart, AI-powered matching. We partner with ambitious companies across sectors to place experienced professionals in roles where they can have a real impact. On behalf of a client in our partner network, we are looking for a Corporate Development Associate.
About the Company
Our client is a publicly listed technology company headquartered in London, operating across enterprise software, data infrastructure, and managed services. They have a long track record of growth through acquisition and are currently running an active M&A programme as part of a broader strategy to consolidate their market position in Europe and expand into adjacent verticals. The corporate development team is small, senior, and deeply integrated with the executive team.
The Role
As Corporate Development Associate, you will be a core part of the team responsible for identifying, evaluating, and executing the transactions and partnerships that shape how the company grows. You will own analytical workstreams, lead due diligence processes, and contribute to the deal execution and integration planning that follows. This is a high-accountability role in a team where the work is visible and the standards are high.
What You'll Do
Identify and evaluate M&A opportunities and strategic partnerships, including market mapping, initial screening, and investment thesis development.
Lead financial modelling and valuation work across potential transactions, including DCF, comparable company analysis, and accretion and dilution modelling.
Coordinate and manage due diligence processes across commercial, financial, legal, and operational workstreams, working with internal teams and external advisors.
Prepare investment committee materials, transaction summaries, and board papers with clarity and precision.
Support integration planning for completed acquisitions, working with the relevant business unit leads to ensure value is captured post-close.
Monitor the technology M&A landscape, tracking relevant transactions, valuations, and strategic moves across key competitors and adjacencies.
Manage relationships with investment banks, advisors, and potential target companies as part of an active deal pipeline.
What We're Looking For
3-6 years of experience in management consulting, investment banking, or a corporate development function, with strong M&A and financial modelling foundations.
Demonstrated experience building complex valuation and transaction models independently and under time pressure.
Strong commercial instincts; able to assess strategic fit and business quality quickly and with conviction.
Excellent written communication skills; comfortable producing high-quality investment committee materials and board papers.
Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple live workstreams across different deal stages simultaneously.
Collaborative and effective at building relationships with senior internal stakeholders and external advisors.
Prior exposure to technology sector M&A is a meaningful advantage.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary of £85,000 - £110,000, determined based on experience and scope.
Annual bonus reflective of deal activity and individual contribution.
Additional benefits, including private health cover, pension, and leave entitlement, are detailed as part of the full offer package.
How to Apply
To be considered for this role, please create your profile at getnextstep.com. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the role criteria and match you with the company if it's a strong fit. No cover letter required.
This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.
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