Head M&A and Strategy (Auto Industry)

Head – Mergers & Acquisitions and Strategy Job Title: Head – Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and strategy Location: Pune Reporting To: Managing Director / CEO Function: Strategy & Corporate Development Experience Required: 15+ years with at least 10 years in leading M&A functions (preferably in manufacturing/automotive) Job Purpose: To lead the identification, evaluation, execution, and integration of strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, and partnerships to support company’s growth strategy— particularly in the areas of product diversification, geographic expansion, EV/clean tech adaptation, and global OEM alignment. Key Responsibilities: 1. M&A Strategy and Origination • Develop and execute the company's inorganic growth strategy in alignment with long-term business objectives. • Proactively identify M&A, JV, or partnership opportunities that enhance technological capability, market access, or operational leverage. • Build and maintain a strong network with investment banks, consultants, legal advisors, and target companies. 2. Deal Evaluation and Structuring • Lead end-to-end transaction process: financial modeling, commercial due diligence, business case development. • Assess strategic fit, cultural alignment, and integration complexity of potential targets. • Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to structure deals (asset/share purchase, JV, carve-outs). 3. Due Diligence & Risk Assessment • Manage cross-functional due diligence teams (finance, operations, legal, HR, tax). • Identify key deal risks (regulatory, contractual, reputational) and develop mitigation strategies. • Drive synergy analysis (cost, technology, customer base). 4. Negotiation and Execution • Lead or support negotiations on price, structure, governance, and definitive agreements. • Ensure alignment with internal governance processes and secure necessary board/executive approvals. 5. Post-Merger Integration (PMI) • Develop and oversee integration plans to deliver expected value from acquisitions. • Align operating models, systems (ERP, quality), supply chain, and human capital. • Track synergy realization and integration KPIs. 6. Market Intelligence & Strategic Input • Monitor global auto-component trends, EV adoption, regulatory shifts, and competitor strategies. • Advise leadership on inorganic growth opportunities in India and international markets (Europe, US, SE Asia). Key Qualifications: • MBA/PGDM from a Tier-1 institution; engineering background preferred. • 15+ years of experience, with at least 5–7 years in M&A, corporate development, or investment banking in manufacturing/automotive. • Strong track record of executing cross-border deals, especially in auto or allied sectors. • Deep understanding of financial valuation, transaction structuring, and integration planning. Key Competencies: • Strategic thinking with execution bias • Strong analytical and financial acumen • High negotiation and influencing skills • Cross-cultural team leadership • Project management and stakeholder alignment • Exposure to regulatory environments (India, EU, US) Preferred Industry Backgrounds: • Auto-components • Promoter Driven organization • Investment banking firms with M&A-driven growth