Corporate Development Specialist at Absa South Africa

Job Summary

• The Absa Corporate Development team is looking for a specialist to assist in the management and execution of our strategic Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) agenda and to ensure correct governance and control thereof.

Job Description

• You will be expected to be experienced in respect of M&A origination and execution and to be able to become familiar with Absa’s governance requirements

Key Accountabilities

Accountability: Origination

• Develop and manage the groups strategic M&A agenda in conjunction with senior management
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Provide ongoing market coverage by business segment and by geography
• Evaluate draft acquisition / disposal / JV Business cases

Prepare valuations

Accountability: Execution

• Oversee the due diligence process to ensure smooth execution of delivery
• Develop final acquisition/disposal/JV business cases
• Lead deal structuring from start to finish to ensure success of the deal
• Negotiate key terms and legal documentation which will be submitted to the client
• Manage the offer/bidding process
• Oversee the preparation of announcements
• Manage the resolution of Conditions Precedent
• Oversee the completion process

Accountability: Governance

• Establish and manage deal teams
• Manage insider lists
• Select, engage and manage advisors
• Implement Confidentiality Agreements
• Manage internal approval processes for acquisitions / disposals / JV’s
• Perform the M&A evaluation support function for Absa's Group Investment Committee

Accountability: Stakeholder Management

• Effectively communicate developments within areas of activity to all relevant internal and external stakeholders
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external business partners, including but not limited to all delivery channels used, group marketing, group communications. Other prospective providers etc.
• Liaise with all business partners to ensure all management information they require is provided to them timeously
• Perform all other duties as reasonably assigned

Role/Person Specification

Education and Experience

• CA (SA) or equivalent preferred.  Alternatives considered based on relevant knowledge, skills and experience.
• Essential: minimum 2 years post-qualifying experience in investment banking, corporate finance, transaction services or private equity
• Desirable: 5 years post-qualifying experience in investment banking, corporate finance, transaction services or private equity

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent analytical and technical skill set (financial analysis, valuation, due diligence, modelling and commercial documentation)
• Experience in a global investment banking environment with exposure to M&A international best practice
• Banking and insurance sector M&A experience, including African M&A experience
• Tactful and persuasive with the ability to convince minds at various levels of the organisation
• Strategic and commercial mindset
• Problem-solving / solutions oriented
• Strong attention to detail and an analytical approach
• Persistent in nature and a data-driven working style
• Ability to work in a team environment and foster knowledge sharing and mentoring of other team members
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills at various levels

Competencies

• Technical Knowledge
• Business Skills
• Control Environment
• Personal & Interpersonal Skills
• Commercial Effectiveness

Education

• Postgraduate Degrees and Professional Qualifications: Financial Sciences (Required)