M&A Director, US & EMEA
London, hybrid
DEPT® is a pioneering global digital agency, headquartered in Amsterdam and operating across 30+ countries. At the intersection of technology, creativity and data, we build and accelerate digital experiences for some of the world’s most exciting brands – from Google and eBay to Patagonia and Philips.
We’ve experienced rapid growth in recent years, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. As we continue to scale, we’re looking for a commercially-driven
M&A Director to lead our acquisition strategy across the UK and US, with secondary focus on mainland Europe. This is a rare opportunity to shape the M&A roadmap of one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-thinking digital agencies.
Job Purpose
As
M&A Director US & EMEA, you’ll be the driving force behind our global M&A pipeline – owning the strategic and commercial side of the process, from market mapping and relationship building through to deal origination and post-deal integration.
You’ll work closely with DEPT®’s Chief Development Officer, the Finance team/CFO (for valuations and technical execution), and senior leaders across People, Delivery, Legal, and Operations to ensure seamless integration and long-term value creation. Your focus will be on the US and UK markets, with select opportunities across Europe.
We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking, commercial acumen, and people-first leadership. You’ll be a connector, a communicator, and a dealmaker who knows how to get things done in high-growth, international environments.
Key Responsibilities
M&A Strategy & Deal Sourcing
- Lead the development of DEPT®’s M&A strategy for the UK, US, and selected European markets
- Build and maintain a strong network of founders, advisors, intermediaries, and targets
- Identify acquisition opportunities aligned with our capabilities and culture
- Represent DEPT® externally, communicating our growth story to the market
Commercial & Strategic Deal Leadership
- Own the front-end of the M&A process: commercial evaluation, strategic fit, financial assessment and stakeholder alignment
- Coordinate, execute and closely with the Legal, Tax and Finance teams on technical components (valuation, due diligence, structuring)
- Collaborate with legal/tax and external advisors to manage DD, processes and closing
Post-Merger Integration & Value Realisation
- Partner with Delivery, Finance, Legal, and People teams to shape integration plans that preserve culture, drive synergies, and ensure smooth transitions
- Track and report on deal outcomes and integration success
- Coordinate post-closing obligations, such as true-ups and earn-outs
Market Intelligence & Internal Collaboration
- Stay close to competitor activity, sector trends, and emerging digital business models
- Provide M&A related insights that inform DEPT®’s broader growth and service strategy
- Support global development initiatives in collaboration with executive leadership
What We Are Looking For
Essential:
- 8–10 years of experience in M&A and/or corporate development
- Demonstrable experience leading M&A transactions, ideally in digital, tech-enabled services, media, or professional services
- Strong network and knowledge of the UK and US digital/creative/tech agency landscapes
- Hands-on experience in both London and New York markets is a significant plus
- Commercially-minded, with excellent strategic judgment and interpersonal skills
- Strong understanding of financial principles and deal mechanics (modelling, valuations, diligence), with ability to collaborate with finance experts
- Comfortable operating in fast-moving, entrepreneurial, and global environments
- Strong cultural EQ; able to build trust with founders and executive stakeholders to make deals
WE OFFER:
- A flexible, hybrid working policy (2 days from the office, depending on location).
- An excellent salary based on experience and equal pay policies.
- Pension, free private healthcare, mental health support, and company sick pay scheme.
- 26 days paid holiday (plus UK Bank Holidays).
- Help getting you to work with a season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme.
- Enhanced family friendly policies to support new parents.
- Social and Cultural Events, plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues through organised activities and celebrations.
- Inspirational Talks, bringing the outside in with regular guest speakers and events.
- Learning and Development, supporting your growth with continuous opportunities to learn and advance.
- Buddy Programme: You will be paired with a ‘Buddy’ to help you through your first weeks’ at DEPT®.
- A reputation for doing good. DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp® since 2021 and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
- Awesome clients. Whether big or small, local or global — at DEPT® you’ll get the opportunity to work with clients of all sizes and across all industries. And we celebrate all of our successes together!
- The opportunity for possibility. We want to enable you to do what you do best and help you develop your skills further with training, development and certifications.
- Global annual DEPT® Cares Month in which employees come together and donate their skills to support local charities.
WHO ARE WE?
We are pioneers at heart. What does that mean? We are always looking forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.
Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 30+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, and your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our client's problems, no matter where you are in the world.
DEPT® is committed to making a positive impact on the planet and since 2021 has been Climate Neutral and B Corporation certified.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.
Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.
We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.
Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.
