Consumer M&A Associate – London

About the role

This is an execution‑focused, client‑exposed Associate position within a leading mid‑market advisory firm’s Consumer, Retail and Leisure team. You will work on high‑impact, often sponsor‑backed and cross‑border transactions across the consumer landscape while developing sector expertise.

Key responsibilities

• Support day‑to‑day execution of live mandates, coordinating workstreams across internal teams, clients and external advisers.
• Prepare transaction materials such as information memoranda, management presentations, process letters, buyer lists and internal committee papers.
• Build, maintain and analyse financial models—including DCF, LBO and transaction comparables—to support valuation and strategic recommendations.
• Conduct sector and company research, analyse potential buyers and targets, and contribute to pitch material development.
• Participate in client meetings and adviser calls, assisting senior bankers with due diligence, process management, documentation and transaction logistics.

Required profile

• Strong M&A experience from an investment bank, boutique advisory firm or Big 4 corporate finance team, with exposure to both buy‑side and sell‑side transactions.
• Good understanding of deal execution stages, including due diligence, valuation, marketing materials and negotiations.
• Interest or experience in the Consumer, Retail and Leisure sector (food & beverage, travel, lifestyle, e‑commerce, consumer health).
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with senior bankers and build trusted adviser relationships.

Required skills

• Financial modelling
• Valuation
• DCF analysis
• LBO analysis
• Transaction comparables

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on complex consumer transactions across multiple sub‑sectors.
• Direct exposure to senior clients, founders, management teams and investors.
• Clear progression path within a strong development environment.