Manager, M&A Deal Lead

National Express•Warrenville, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Summit School Services is seeking an experienced M&A Deal Lead to lead due diligence and integration across multiple transactions of varying size and complexity. The role coordinates internal and third-party due diligence, drives integration planning and execution, and maintains transaction momentum. It works closely with senior executives, functional leaders, investors, internal stakeholders, and external advisors, with opportunities to take on increasing leadership responsibilities. The position reports to the Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions. It follows a hybrid schedule from the Warrenville, Illinois office (preferred); remote candidates within the USA may also be considered, with periodic travel to Summit headquarters. Travel of up to 10% is required as needed. Summit School Services is committed to transportation safety, quality service, positive employee relations, and the protection and safeguarding of children and passengers. The company has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its policies and values, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to legally protected characteristics. Pay and other employment terms vary by site, geographical market, customer or contractual terms, and position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field.
6 to 8 years of relevant experience in strategy, business management, consulting, project management, business operations, financial analysis, or a related field.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, set priorities, and operate effectively in ambiguous environments.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships with internal teams, external partners, and advisors.
Ability to develop and present new ideas and conceptualize new approaches and solutions.
Detail orientation and expert organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
Travel of up to 10% as needed.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
M&A experience strongly preferred.
Additional certifications are considered a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead confirmatory due diligence, integration planning and execution, and transaction execution across multiple deals.
Collaborate with functional leaders to develop M&A playbooks and tools.
Translate business requirements into integration plans and track progress against milestones.
Mobilize functional workstreams across Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Tax, IT, and other areas.
Identify and clarify issues, risks, and opportunities; escalate as appropriate and drive urgency on deliverables.
Build effective working partnerships across teams, clarify roles, and help resolve cross-functional issues.
Track integration progress and surface risks to the value the deal was intended to create.
Document deal learnings and contribute to methodology and continuous practice improvement.