Head - M&A/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 companys growth strategy particularly in the areas of product diversification, geographic expansion, EV/clean tech adaptation, and global OEM alignment.

Key Responsibilities:

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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 57 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:

- Promoter Driven organization

- Investment banking firms with M&A-driven growth.