Manager, M&A

Our Story

Founded in 2008, Hightower is a wealth management firm that provides investment, financial and retirement planning services to individuals, foundations and family offices, as well as 401(k) consulting and cash management services to corporations. Hightower's capital solutions, operational support services, size and scale empower its vibrant community of independent-minded wealth advisors to grow their businesses and help their clients achieve their vision of "well-th. rebalanced." Based in Chicago with advisors across the U.S., we operate as a registered investment advisor (RIA).

Our commitment to our culture is demonstrated every day through the Hightower Way. By joining Hightower, you will build a community of inclusive relationships, take proactive ownership, embrace others' perspectives, and have an uncompromising dedication to excellence.

Your Future Team

The Manager, M&A will play a critical role in leading and executing strategic transactions to support the growth and expansion of Hightower within the Mergers & Acquisitions team. You will be a senior member of the team responsible for sourcing and identifying potential merger and acquisition opportunities, conducting due diligence, negotiating deals, and managing post-transaction integration activities. As the Manager, M&A, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the future of Hightower through strategic transactions. Your expertise and leadership will be instrumental in identifying and executing deals that drive our growth and enhance our competitive position in the market.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a Hightower brand ambassador by upholding The Hightower Way cultural elements - Mission, Purpose, V.A.L.U.E. Experience, Commitment and Standards, promoting excellence in the internal and external client experience during every encounter
• Improve consistency in every client and colleague encounter by embodying the core principles of our Hightower V.A.L.U.E. Experience (Validate, Actively Listen, Leverage Resources, Understand Ownership, Express Gratitude)
• Support in the development Hightower's M&A strategy according to corporate goals
• Identify potential merger and acquisition targets and assess their strategic fit and financial viability
• Collaborate with senior management to evaluate potential risks and benefits of M&A transactions
• Oversee a team responsible for identifying and sourcing potential acquisition targets via proactive outreach to prospects
• Oversee a team responsible for conducting due diligence on potential targets, including financial, operational, legal, and regulatory assessments
• Oversee a team responsible for analyzing financial statements, market data, and other relevant information to evaluate the financial health and valuation of target companies
• Oversee a team responsible for preparing financial models and projections to assess the potential synergies and financial impact of proposed transactions
• Identify important risks, opportunities, and integration challenges associated with each transaction
• Lead negotiations with certain target companies, including deal structuring, pricing, and terms
• Collaborate with legal, finance, and other teams to draft and review legal agreements, such as letters of intent or purchase agreements
• Coordinate external advisors, including investment bankers, legal counsel, and other third-party service providers
• Monitor and report on the progress of M&A transactions to senior management and other team members
• Collaborate with team members to ensure agreement and support for M&A programs
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, such as target company executives, investment bankers, and legal advisors
• Communicate the rationale, risks, and benefits of proposed transactions to all partners

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, or a related field
• 6-10 years of experience, with 4+ in mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, corporate development, or a related field
• Strong financial analysis and modeling skills, with the ability to evaluate complex financial data and make sound recommendations
• Deal structuring capabilities, with experience closing M&A transactions
• Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks related to M&A transactions

What We Offer

• Coverage on the first day of employment for medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid parental leave (16 weeks for primary caregiver and 8 weeks for secondary caregiver)
• Flexible PTO plan
• Hybrid model work schedule (50% in office)
• 401k matching plan
• HSA employer contributions
• Student loan assistance
• Pet insurance
• We commit to a transparent, people-first environment where talent is maximized through our diverse, equitable and inclusive community
• We nurture a spirit of belonging, are energized by challenges, celebrate our successes, and achieve individual and collective well-th goals

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Hightower is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, ancestry, age (over 40), physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related), gender identity or expression, genetic information including sickle cell or hemoglobin C trait, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local law.

You are a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or possess other unrestricted U.S. work authorization and will not require sponsorship for U.S. work authorization now or anytime in the future.