Associate Director - Manchester

Job Overview

Sowena Group are supporting a leading UK advisory firm in the search for an experienced Corporate Finance Associate Director or Director to join its expanding Manchester City Centre team. This senior, client-facing position is suited to an ambitious professional with a strong track record in mid-market transactions and a desire to contribute to the growth of a highly regarded national advisory practice.

The Role

The successful candidate will take a leadership role within a high-performing Corporate Finance team, delivering a broad range of mid-market transactions, including:

• M&A advisory (buy-side and sell-side)
• Strategic business valuations
• Fundraising and refinancing
• Management buy-outs and buy-ins
• Growth capital and private equity–related transactions
• Transaction support as required

This individual will lead deal processes end-to-end, originate new opportunities, build and manage strong client relationships, and support the development of junior colleagues. The role offers genuine progression, significant autonomy, and visibility across the national advisory network.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of transactions from pitch through completion
• Manage and grow client relationships, acting as a trusted adviser
• Drive business development, contributing to the firm’s growth strategy
• Prepare high-quality transaction materials including IMs, financial models and pitch documents
• Oversee due diligence, commercial analysis and negotiation processes
• Mentor and develop junior team members

Key Requirements

• Significant experience in Corporate Finance, ideally within M&A or general advisory
• Strong deal execution track record in mid-market transactions
• Excellent financial modelling, analytical and commercial skills
• Confident communicator with strong client-facing capability
• Ability to generate business and nurture long-term relationships
• Professional qualification (ACA) preferred but not essential