Mergers & Acquisitions Specialist

Job description

Introduction
At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Your Role and Responsibilities
IBM's Corporate Development team is responsible for M&A strategy and execution. We accelerate IBM‘s growth by sourcing, negotiating, and executing strategic acquisitions, minority investments, and portfolio optimization initiatives. IBM is one of the most active acquirers in IT software and services with 30+ closed acquisitions over the past 3 years.

As a Deal Associate you will have a high impact role working in a fast-paced part of IBM’s business as part of a high-performance team. This role supports all dimensions of the Corporate Development M&A workflow including, industry analysis, target evaluation, financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, and definitive agreement negotiations. This is an excellent opportunity to play a critical role on a team whose work has a profound and direct impact on the future of IBM.

As a Deal Associate, you will be responsible for multiple elements of deal execution including:
·  Support the execution of acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic minority investments, including performing financial and valuation analyses, financial modeling, and coordinating all aspects of due diligence in partnership with senior team members.
·  Develop strong relationships built on trust with both internal and external stakeholders.
·  Manage communications and deal progress updates.
·  Evaluate and prioritize potential inbound M&A opportunities for strategic fit, industry competitiveness, and synergistic value for IBM.
·  Perform market, industry, and company research and analyses.
·  Assist with special projects and presentations for senior executives.
·  Manage and maintain corporate development systems, tools, and processes.

Successful team members in this role have demonstrated:
·  Strong Financial Acumen
·  Deep understanding of financial statements and financial analysis techniques
·  Demonstrated ability to perform different types of M&A related financial modeling (DCF, LBO, Regression, etc.)
·  Expertise using MS Office tools (Excel, Word, Powerpoint) and leveraging data from external database providers (Factset, Pitchbook, etc.)
·  Market & Industry Knowledge
·  Strong understanding of IBM’s strategic goals and roadmap
·  Staying up-to-date with current market dynamics and its impact on IBM’s inorganic strategy
·  Monitoring relevant M&A and investment (PE & VC) activities in areas such as Cloud, Data & AI, Security and Services

·  Excellent communications
·  Timely and appropriate sharing of information with key stakeholders (internal and external)
·  Effective verbal and written communication
·  Ability to appropriately adjust communications approach based upon audience and deal dynamics
·  Know when to ask for help

·  Effective Project Management of internal and external teams
·  Create and implement project plans with buy-in from key stakeholders
·  Drive effective stakeholder accountability and management

·  Commitment to Highest levels of Professionalism in all aspects of work
·  Complete Staff Work with appropriate attention to detail
·  Great team player and have a problem-solving aptitude
·  High Energy and willingness to get things done
·  A growth-mindset, with a willingness to learn new technologies and processes
·  Exceptional judgment and composure in high-pressure situations

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• BS – Finance/Accounting/Technical

• Experience working in dynamic team-based environments

• Strong communications capabilities

• Proficiency in financial modeling/forecasting techniques with strong attention to detail

• Proven ability to deliver effective Executive Presentations

• MS/ Office tools expert level (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc)

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise

• MBA / CFA / CPA

• M&A Transaction Execution Experience

• Professional PMI certification