Corporate Development & Investments Manager

About us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The role

Corporate development is a central part of the Financial Times Group’s growth strategy. Corporate Development & Investments (“CD&I”) is a small but high profile function reporting jointly to the FT CFO and the Honorary Chairman of the FT and Special Executive Adviser to Nikkei.

The team is responsible for M&A (FT Group and Nikkei outside of Japan), FT Ventures (FT's Corporate Venture arm) and associated Strategic Partnerships, FT Portfolio Management, and internal investments assessments.

We are looking for a Corporate Development & Investments Manager who is an innovative, creative, analytical and strategic thinker who can demonstrate passion about the future of our businesses. The ideal candidate enjoys solving problems and working alongside others, can take direction but is also proactive and is willing and able to work under their own initiative. It is essential that the candidate is a team player, is able to build strong professional relationships and has excellent communication skills. The role will involve significant exposure to the FT’s and Nikkei’s leadership team and various functions throughout the FT and Nikkei Group, and so an ability to establish credibility in working with senior management is essential.

Key responsibilities

The Manager will be supporting the Corporate Development & Investments team with:

• Sourcing corporate development opportunities - including acquisition and investment target sourcing;
• End-to-end contribution to M&A, FT Ventures investments and disposals - including business valuation modelling, business plan analysis and pricing, due diligence and transaction coordination, and contract negotiation;
• Leading the financial and valuation analysis of business opportunities and, applying critical thinking to the business case and how it progresses the FT and Nikkei’s strategies;
• Leading portfolio review projects and reviewing investment proposals;
• Leading thematic research projects and portfolio management;
• Mentoring more junior team members; and
• Preparation of board papers and any documentation required for CFO, CEO, FT Board and Nikkei approval processes.

Required skills and experience

• The ideal candidate will have strong core technical skills acquired during active participation in M&A transactions, particularly with respect to financial modelling;
• Candidates will have at least 8 years relevant experience gained working in an investment bank or M&A advisory firm, the corporate finance division of a large accounting firm, a private equity or venture capital investor or within the M&A/ Corporate Finance/ Corporate Development function of a corporate organisation;
• Buy-side experience is essential;
• Strong undergraduate degree, ideally in economics, business, finance, law or accounting;
• Highly numerate and confident and experienced in financial modelling, valuation analysis and business plan and commercial analysis;
• Proven analytical and business and problem solving skills, with the ability to apply financial analysis to commercial issues;
• Excellent attention to detail, commitment to the job and a strong results-driven work ethic;
• Strong strategic acumen, and understanding of FT and Nikkei and the industries within which they operate;
• Demonstrable end to end transaction experience;
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills;
• Confident working under own initiative as well as ability to collaborate well and work with others;
• Ability to balance taking initiative with strong communication and collaboration across the team;
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and Google Suite; as well as use of AI tools.

Desirable

• Venture investing experience
• Strategy experience
• APAC M&A experience and network

What's in it for You?

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We currently operate a hybrid model which requires staff to work onsite 50% of the time, subject to role requirements & regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for all roles. We believe this balanced approach supports flexibility and protects our culture, making collaboration and communication easier, building stronger relationships and team cohesion, and supporting peer learning. We reserve discretion on reasonable notice to change this approach either generally or for specific individuals or teams.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Further information

At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications.

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact [email protected].

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