mike@stonebridgerecruitment.com
Associate Director / Director – Corporate Finance (Special Situations) | London
Are you a corporate finance professional ready to step out of traditional M&A and into one of the most dynamic, intellectually stimulating corners of the market?
We're working with a leading, highly regarded advisory firm to find an exceptional Associate Director or Director to join their growing Special Situations M&A practice in London. This is a rare opportunity to bring your transactional skillset into an environment where no two deals are the same — and where the work genuinely matters.
What makes this different from vanilla M&A?
Special situations advisory sits at the intersection of M&A, restructuring, and strategic problem-solving. You'll be advising businesses and stakeholders navigating complexity — distressed sales, accelerated M&A processes, lender-side mandates, and insolvency-linked transactions. The pace is faster, the challenges are deeper, and the impact is real. If you've ever felt constrained by the predictability of traditional deal flow, this is the antidote.
The Opportunity:
Joining a collaborative and high-performing team, you will:
• Lead buy-side and sell-side SS M&A transactions end-to-end
• Develop innovative solutions for clients facing financial complexity or distress
• Conduct financial analysis, valuation, and due diligence on distressed businesses
• Identify value and opportunity where others see only risk
• Coordinate with legal and financial advisors across insolvency and accelerated processes
• Build and nurture senior client relationships, becoming a trusted adviser
• Win new business and contribute to the growth of the practice
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of talented finance professionals
Qualifications and Requirements:
• ACA / ACCA qualified (or equivalent)
• Strong M&A background, ideally with some exposure to special situations, restructuring, or distressed contexts — or a clear appetite to make that move
• Proven track record of managing complex transactions from inception to completion
• Sharp financial modelling and analytical skills
• Excellent communicator and natural relationship builder
• Leadership experience and a genuine desire to develop those around you
• Professional services background essential.
A note for those coming from traditional M&A
You don't need a career built entirely in special situations to be the right fit. Our client values sharp transactional minds with the curiosity and resilience to thrive in more complex, fast-moving environments. If you're an M&A professional looking for greater variety, higher-stakes problem solving, and a platform to build a genuinely differentiated career — we'd love to hear from you.
Interested or want to find out more? Drop me a message or apply directly. Confidential conversations welcome.
