The Role Reporting to the Head of Strategy and Corporate Development, this role is a key driver in evolving the company’s long-term roadmap. The successful candidate will support efforts to accelerate growth through product diversification, new customer acquisition, and strategic expansion.  Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Planning Market Intelligence: Conduct deep-dive research into industry trends and competitor activity to provide actionable recommendations for the executive team. Capital Allocation: Support the assessment of organic investment opportunities against a rigorous strategic and financial framework. Financial Modelling: Build complex ROI models for internal growth initiatives and partnership ventures. Special Projects: Support leadership on high-priority strategic actions and ad-hoc business situations.  2. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Pipeline Management: Build and maintain a target universe aligned with company objectives through independent research and intermediary networking. Deal Evaluation: Screen opportunities based on strategic fit and financial viability. Valuation & Analysis: Lead financial modelling for targets, including valuation, synergy analysis, and the validation of operating assumptions. Execution: Support the full deal lifecycle, including commercial, financial, and legal due diligence, term sheet negotiations, and post-merger integration planning. Ideal Experience 3–5 years of professional experience, likely starting with a foundation in Investment Banking, Big 4 Transaction Services, or a qualified in-house finance route (e.g., CIMA). Subsequent experience in a corporate development or internal strategy role is highly preferred. Prior exposure to the payments industry or broader fintech sector is a significant advantage. Key Skills & Attributes Corporate Finance Mastery: Advanced skills in forecasting, valuation, and assessing combination effects. Due Diligence Expertise: A clear understanding of the DD process and the ability to identify "red flags" and value drivers. Critical Thinker: An intellectually curious mindset that looks beyond the data to understand the underlying strategic context. High Energy: A proactive, tenacious professional with the judgment to take ownership of complex deliverables. Collaborative: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and work across cross-functional teams.