Description
Summary
Purpose:
This role provides dedicated analytical, research and documentation support to the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) function, while also contributing to broader strategic planning activity when required.
The postholder will identify and assess acquisition opportunities, develop evidence‑based inputs for business cases, maintain models and datasets, and produce high‑quality insights to inform senior decision‑making.Landscape:
The role sits within the Strategy team, working closely with the Strategy and Business Development Manager (M&A), the Strategic Planning Partner, and wider stakeholders across AQA Group.
The role holders focus will depend on organisational priorities, but the primary emphasis will be on M&A activity.
Activities:
M&A Research, Target Identification & Evaluation Conduct desktop research to identify potential acquisition targets aligned to Group and Vocational strategies.
Produce initial evaluation summaries (e.g., one‑pagers) including fit, financial health indicators, and strategic rationale.
Support maintenance of the M&A pipeline, data rooms and tracking tools.
Assist in preparing commercial due‑diligence materials and collating information for internal review.
Business Case & Investment Documentation Support
Draft sections of internal business cases and investment papers for Executive and Board sign‑off.
Collate data and research to support strategic rationale, including market insights and competitor positioning.
Structure and format high-quality presentations for senior stakeholders.
Data Analysis & Modelling
Maintain quantitative models used for assessing growth opportunities and acquisition viability.
Update internal datasets and Excel models associated with market sizing, competitor performance and scenario modelling.
Process large data volumes, ensuring accuracy and integrity.
Market, Competitor & Policy Research
Gather and synthesise market and policy intelligence that informs both acquisition considerations and strategic planning.
Undertake desk research tasks to validate assumptions in business cases and strategic papers.
Reporting & Visualisation
Produce charts, graphs and tables for inclusion in Board packs, M&A papers and Executive presentations.
Support KPI tracking for Strategy and M&A delivery plans.
Respond to ad-hoc information requests from senior stakeholders.
Ways of Working
Expected to be highly self-sufficient, adaptable, analytically strong and comfortable switching between longer‑term modelling tasks and fast turnaround M&A activity.
Need to know (to be successful in this role, you will need to know):Essential Experience & Skills:
Strong analytical capability, including financial modelling and quantitative assessment.
Ability to synthesise complex research quickly and present it clearly.
Experience producing written materials for senior stakeholders.
High attention to detail and accuracy in data handling.
Comfortable managing multiple priorities and working at pace.
Desirable:
Experience in M&A, corporate finance, strategy consulting or related analytical roles.
Exposure to due diligence processes or investment evaluation.
Understanding of education, qualifications or regulated markets.
Values & Behaviours:
Demonstrates AQA’s values and leadership behaviours.
Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Curious, evidence‑driven and proactive.
Able to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
Comfortable working in ambiguity and taking ownership for progressing tasks.
Demonstrates high integrity and maintains confidentiality.