Post Merger Integration Specialist at Cedar Recruitment, Multiple Locations, £Contract Rate

Private Equity Buy and Build Outside IR35 London

Cedar are partnering with a well established mid market private equity firm executing an ambitious UK buy and build strategy.

As acquisition activity continues to accelerate, they are seeking an experienced Post Merger Integration Specialist to play a pivotal role in supporting portfolio companies through the successful integration of bolt on acquisitions.

This is not a traditional programme management role. It is an opportunity to work alongside investment professionals, portfolio CEOs and senior leadership teams to ensure acquisitions are embedded effectively, synergies are realised quickly and the investment thesis is delivered.

You will lead integration programmes from transaction completion through to business stabilisation and value creation.

Working across multiple acquisitions, you will develop practical integration plans, coordinate cross functional workstreams and establish repeatable integration frameworks that support an active UK buy and build strategy.

• Lead the integration of bolt on acquisitions across UK portfolio companies, often managing multiple integrations simultaneously.
• Develop and execute Day 1, Day 100 and longer term integration plans focused on rapid value creation.
• Translate the investment thesis into practical integration activities that deliver measurable commercial outcomes.
• Partner with portfolio company leadership teams to embed acquisitions into the wider business while maintaining operational momentum.
• Identify, track and deliver operational and commercial synergies across the portfolio.
• Establish pragmatic governance, reporting and integration frameworks that can be replicated across future acquisitions.
• Build and continuously enhance PMI playbooks to support an expanding acquisition pipeline.
• Provide clear reporting and insight to investment teams and senior stakeholders throughout the integration lifecycle.

You will have a proven track record delivering post merger integration within private equity backed businesses, buy and build platforms or highly acquisitive organisations.

You will also demonstrate:

• Experience integrating founder led or entrepreneurial businesses within a private equity backed buy and build environment, bringing structure and discipline without over engineering solutions.
• A strong understanding of buy and build value creation strategies and the operational realities of integrating bolt on acquisitions.
• The ability to influence CEOs, senior leadership teams and key stakeholders without direct authority.
• A commercial mindset with a focus on delivering measurable synergies and operational improvements.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands on execution in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment.