Director of Integrations, Mergers & Acquisitions

Cresa•Chicago, IL

About The Position

At Cresa, we believe our clients deserve better. A better space to work, create, build, grow. A better outcome for their people and organization. A better partner who puts their needs first, helping them navigate the landscape, tilting the playing field in their favor and giving them an insider’s edge. Our mission is to find and foster the best environment for every business. Our purpose is to think beyond space - strengthening those we serve and enhancing quality of life for our clients and employees. We are built to champion our clients’ aspirations through real estate. When considering partnership, we strive to connect with those who share our values: Work Together, Create Value, Be Tenacious, Enhance Community, and Embrace Diversity . We believe in being the change. We work together to find new ways of doing things that create value for our clients — and for each other. Because there is not much that feels better than collaborating to make a positive difference each day. At Cresa, we offer an opportunity to be part of something bigger. To learn, advance, mentor and be recognized. Your voice will be heard, and you will be valued for both your individual and team contributions. Summary This role will lead the integration of acquired companies post-merger or acquisition into the combined go forward optimal operations as Cresa. This role will work closely with the newly acquired company and internal Cresa leadership to identify and achieve synergies and strategic goals, track and report against deal underwriting and hold parties accountable to develop integration plans and execute against them. The Director of Integrations, Mergers and Acquisitions will lead cross-functional teams to develop and manage integration timelines as well as identify and overcome cultural challenges. He or she will be responsible for leading due diligence and integration activities. The Director will manage the integration process, including timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams to ensure successful post-acquisition/merger performance. The Director of Integrations, Mergers & Acquisitions will lead the integration of acquired companies into Cresa’s operations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and realization of deal synergies. This role will partner closely with acquired leadership and internal stakeholders to build and execute integration plans, track performance against underwriting, and resolve operational and cultural challenges. The Director will oversee due diligence, develop integration timelines, manage budgets, and lead cross-functional teams to ensure successful post-merger performance.

Requirements

Prior background in project management, operational leadership including hands-on deal experience, and experience with the M&A deal process
Proactive communicator
Excels in follow through and tactical execution with high standards
Ability to build and maintain a network of senior level relationships to facilitate strategic initiatives
Experience aligning and driving cross-functional groups
Exhibits excellent judgment
Strong analytical ability
Strategic thinker
Results oriented

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree, and/or MBA preferred
7+ years of project management or operational cross functional execution experience

Responsibilities

Program Management: Develop and apply best-practice tools and processes for risk assessment, change control, due diligence, and integration. Prepare timely status reports, ensuring data accuracy and timely input from workstreams.
Integration Leadership: Lead end-to-end M&A integration efforts, from due diligence through post-close execution.
Strategic Alignment: Ensure acquired companies align with Cresa’s strategic priorities and long-term goals.
Synergy Realization: Identify, track, and deliver cost savings, revenue opportunities, and operational efficiencies. Monitor deal performance and synergy realization in partnership with Corporate Development and Markets Finance vs. deal model.
Change & Cultural Management: Drive communication, employee engagement, and cultural integration to foster a unified organization.
Operational Alignment: Oversee onboarding/offboarding of systems, tools, and processes, ensuring smooth Day 1 and phased transitions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Finance, Legal, HR, IT, and Markets leadership to ensure timely and comprehensive execution.
Performance Tracking: Monitor progress against deal models, earnouts, and incentive structures; report status updates to leadership.
Sales & Pipeline Integration: Coordinate integration of sales and pipeline systems, tracking progress of M&A and high-value recruits vs. pro forma.
Continuous Improvement: Capture lessons learned from integrations to refine processes and improve future outcomes.
Ad hoc Support: Provide analysis and execution support across Corporate Development, FP&A, Markets Finance, and the Office of the CFO.