Position Title: Managing Director, M&A and Transactions
Location: Remote / Hybrid
Reports To: Managing Partner
Compensation: Market-driven deferred salary, performance-linked incentives, and equity participation
Search Mandate: Yorktown Search Partners is conducting a confidential executive search on behalf of a principal investment and advisory platform operating across private capital, media, and consumer verticals.

Role Overview

Yorktown Search Partners has been retained to identify a Managing Director, M&A and Transactions for a confidential client focused on executing complex, high-value transactions across North America and select global markets. The firm specializes in principal-led M&A, founder transitions, and vertical consolidations in sectors including consumer brands, digital media, aviation, infrastructure, and special situations.

This is a senior partner-level opportunity for a seasoned transaction leader who thrives on delivering value from origination through closing. You will act as the execution architect across mandates, leading teams, interfacing with counterparties, and institutionalizing the firms M&A execution infrastructure.

Compensation consists of a market-driven deferred salary, transaction-linked performance incentives, and long-term equity participation, aligning your success with that of the firm.

Key Responsibilities

M&A & Capital Advisory Execution

• Oversee all aspects of deal execution including valuations, LOIs, SPAs, cap tables, and exit mechanics
• Lead strategic and financial negotiations, working closely with sellers, clients, and co-investors
• Ensure flawless execution from diligence through closing, aligning legal, tax, and financial components

Due Diligence Leadership

• Manage end-to-end diligence processes across legal, financial, operational, and regulatory dimensions
• Establish and maintain timelines, issue-tracking systems, and integrated deal process workflows
• Coordinate third-party advisors to identify risks and streamline execution across mandates

Team Leadership & Infrastructure Building

• Mentor and lead junior professionals in financial modeling, memo preparation, and deal management
• Institutionalize internal M&A tools-playbooks, closing checklists, data room protocols, and reporting templates
• Serve as a key leader interfacing with outside counsel, accountants, and technical advisors

Strategic Contribution

• Advise on transaction structuring at the pre-LOI stage to enhance certainty and value
• Contribute to Investment Committee discussions, portfolio strategy, and exit planning
• Actively support capital formation efforts by advising on structuring and risk alignment for co-investors and LPs

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 10-15+ years of experience in investment banking, transaction advisory, or private equity
• Demonstrated track record of successful deal execution across mid-market sectors such as consumer, aviation, industrials, and infrastructure
• Strong command of financial modeling, transaction structuring, and cross-border diligence practices
• Experience working in lean, fast-paced, founder-led environments
• Background in Big 4 corporate finance, a top-tier investment bank, or a private equity sponsor is strongly preferred
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and team leadership capabilities

Ideal First Hire

The Managing Director is expected to bring on a Senior Associate, Corporate Finance-a highly technical execution lead from investment banking or advisory with strong modeling, diligence, and communication skills. This hire may be full-time or project-based depending on the firms deal flow.

Compensation & Alignment

This is a performance-based leadership role with a market-driven deferred salary, aligned to firm growth and long-term economics. Compensation includes participation in equity ownership, carried interest, and deal-specific upside. The structure is designed to attract entrepreneurial executives who are motivated by value creation, strategic influence, and the opportunity to build and lead within a founder-driven platform.