Corporate Development Associate - Mergers and Acquisitions

We're looking for a Corporate Development Associate to join us at Co-op. As we continue to invest in our existing businesses and explore new opportunities for growth, you'll play a key role in helping us assess, shape and deliver strategic opportunities that create long-term value for our members, customers and communities. Why this role matters This role sits at the centre of some of Co-op's most important strategic decisions. You'll be part of one of the leading corporate development teams in the North-West, working on acquisitions, disposals and strategic partnerships across our diverse portfolio of businesses. Partnering closely with senior leaders and colleagues from across Co-op, you'll combine commercial insight, financial analysis and relationship building to help shape our future direction. It's a varied, high-profile role where you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact while developing your career in a values-led business. What you'll do

• Research and evaluate growth opportunities that align with Co-op's values and long-term strategy
• Work alongside teams, both internally and externally to Co-op, to develop, manage and deliver strategic initiatives
• Produce strategic recommendations and business cases for senior leadership teams and the executive board
• Work with external advisers, where needed, to undertake due diligence on potential strategic initiatives
• Prepare financial models and analysis to assess the commercial value of potential opportunities
• Support negotiations on legal agreements and transaction documentation alongside senior team members, our in-house legal team and external law firms
• Build strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders to support the successful delivery of Co-op objectives
  
  An accountancy qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA, or equivalent relevant experience
• Great communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence both finance and non-finance audiences, including senior leaders
• Strong financial modelling skills and commercial awareness
• A team player, with the ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders and provide constructive challenge in an inclusive way
• The ability to adapt to change, manage competing priorities and work autonomously
• Exposure to mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance or transaction-related activity would be beneficial
  
  At Co-op, we're owned by our members. And because we're owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you're not just taking a job, you're joining a movement. We're an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we're powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you'll also receive:
• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• Private healthcare
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ)
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream - early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle-to-work scheme
A place you'll belong We're building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.