M&A Manager

Overview

Next Step is a digital, AI-first career platform dedicated to helping top-performing consultants navigate career transitions. By leveraging a data-driven approach, Next Step matches professionals with high-fit opportunities while enabling companies to connect with exceptional talent. The platform is developed in collaboration with Consulting Comedy, the largest consulting-focused community globally, boasting 1M+ subscribers.

On behalf of our partner network, we're recruiting an M&A Manager in San Francisco.

M&A Manager - San Francisco

Salary Range: $130,000 - $175,000 annually
, depending on experience and qualifications.

As M&A Manager, you ll find the companies worth buying, figure out what they re really worth, and make the deals happen. You will:

• Identify acquisition targets that fit the growth strategy
• Run due diligence to uncover what s actually going on behind the sales pitch (the financials, the customers, the risks)
• Build valuation models and deal structures that make financial sense
• Negotiate terms with sellers, lawyers, and advisors to get deals closed
• Present recommendations to leadership and the Board on which deals to pursue and why
• Lead integration planning so the acquisition actually delivers value after day one
• Manage relationships with investment banks, PE firms, and brokers to keep deal flow coming
• Jump into urgent strategic questions beyond M&A when the company needs it

• Previous experience in consulting (MBB, Big 4, or boutique firms)
• 4-6+ years in M&A, corporate development, investment banking, or private equity
• A track record of closing deals, from initial outreach to signed contracts
• Strong financial modelling skills (DCF, LBO, comps) and the ability to spot what s realistic vs. optimistic
• Experience running due diligence and knowing which questions to ask to uncover issues
• Comfortable managing multiple deals at once while keeping all the details straight

If you ve built your career in consulting and are ready to transition into M&A and corporate development roles in the industry, multiple companies in our network are likely looking for you.

• Step 1:
  Submit your application.
• Step 2:
  You ll receive an invite to join the Next Step platform.
• Step 3:
  Complete your profile and get matched with the best-fit companies and opportunities in our partner network.

Please note:

If your background is a strong match for this specific role, we ll connect you with the hiring company for next steps. If this particular role isn t the right fit, we ll continue matching you with similar opportunities that align with your expertise, industry preferences, and career goals.