Role purpose:

The WPP Corporate Development team is at the forefront of delivering our inorganic growth strategy, be it through acquisition, investment or strategic partnership. You will work with WPP leadership and our advisor network to identify high quality businesses and / or technologies that will add to, and scale, our offer as the leading creative transformation company.

Based in New York, reporting to EVP Corporate Development, the role supports (i) our continued evaluation of potential targets; (ii) the execution of live transactions; and (iii) the coordination of team-wide initiatives. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to contribute to critical part of WPPs growth strategy and develop both professionally and personally.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Mapping, evaluation, and ongoing monitoring of an M&A target list with the help of our operating companies and advisor network. Global geographical remit, with a particular focus on NA and LATAMLead the M&A execution process for later stage opportunities, leveraging in-house teams and operating company leaders; initial financial review and modelling, strategic rationale for transaction, construction of target company business and integration plans, cost / revenue synergy potential.
• Build close connection with WPP Transaction Services, Legal, Tax and IT teams as well as our operating companies to ensure coordinated approach to due diligence, risk management, integration planning and execution of investment thesis.
• Build on our culture of excellence in standards of deal execution, financial analysis and due diligence. This will include assisting in the definition, and documentation of key processes.
• Preparation of M&A materials for Exco / Board discussions as required.

Skill Requirements: 

• Proven analytical capabilities - financial modelling, valuation and general data analysis/presentation.
• CA and / or MBA preferred.
• 6-8 years of M&A experience either in a corporate development team, investment bank or advisory practice with a good understanding of, and / or passion for, marketing communications. That experience should include hands on experience of some or all of the following:
• Financial analysis
• Business valuation techniques and deal structuring
• Financial and / or commercial due diligence
• Strategic planning and / or strategic review projects

Behaviors:

• Desire to develop into a skilled M&A lead with a capability to run a range of M&A processes internationally.
• Strong business acumen with clear commercial drive. Results oriented.
• Independent thinker, with an ability to think creatively, prioritize and make decisions under pressure.
• Self-motivated, resilient and enthusiastic given role will involve market screening and research of potential targets.
• Able simultaneously to master the fine detail (e.g. in complex financial or transaction documentation), whilst maintaining a clear ’bigger-picture’ strategic perspective.
• High integrity and an excellent team player - versatile and comfortable engaging with people from different backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills, Ability to build lasting relationships, internally and externally.
• Fluent in spoken and written English. Other language skills are valued, but not essential.

Who you are:

You’re open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are accepting: of new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You’re optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You’re extraordinary: We are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

What we’ll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We promote a culture of people that do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge.