Senior M&A and Strategic Partnerships Deal Lead

Create value through inorganic growth and new partnerships!

This role will support key activities across the entire transaction lifecycle related to possible mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other strategic partnerships and will report directly to the Head of M&A and Partnerships. The ideal candidate will apply strategic, analytical, and transactional skills to support the identification and execution of growth opportunities across Vanguard's business lines.

Responsibilities:

• Identify, evaluate, and execute potential M&A and partnership opportunities by delivering both quantitative and qualitative analyses to gain consensus on strategy and investment theses that align with Vanguard's business goals and strategic priorities.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models and valuation analyses to analyze complex transactions and present clear recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Lead all aspects of the due diligence process, including planning, counterparty engagement, leadership reviews, etc.
• Support the negotiation of commercial terms within term sheets and definitive agreements.
• Grow strong internal relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Build executive level presentations and clearly communicate in-depth market research and analyses to senior stakeholders to drive executive-decision making.
• Work independently with exemplary attention to detail and sensitivity to deadlines. Lead multiple workstreams while managing competing priorities and partner needs.
• Coach less experienced crew in financial methodologies, partnership and M&A frameworks and approaches, and inorganic growth best practices based on deep knowledge of emerging trends and industry standards.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

• Functional & Industry Expertise: 8+ years of direct work experience in investment banking, private equity, corporate development, management consulting or similar M&A or strategic partnership roles. Asset management or financial services experience a plus.
• Education: Undergraduate degree required in Business, Economics, Finance, or similar required. Graduate degree preferred.
• Analytical Skills: Proven ability to lead financial modeling, valuation, and pro forma analysis. Candidate must be skilled in evaluating and solving complex business scenarios. Conceptual thinking skills must be complemented by strong quantitative orientation.
• Leadership & Influence: Demonstrated ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority. Candidates should foster innovation, drive critical decisions, hold business partners accountable, and be able to consistently deliver results.
• Executive Communication & Presentation Abilities: Impeccable written and oral communication credentials, coupled with strategic influencing skills and the ability to drive agreement through intellect, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Project Management: Rigorous project management and organizational skills. Proven ability to manage multiple complex, parallel initiatives simultaneously under tight deadlines and ambiguity in fast-paced, dynamic environment.