Head of Integration

Head of Integration Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head of Integration to lead the post-acquisition integration agenda across a fast-growing, PE-backed financial services platform. This role is critical to ensuring acquisitions are integrated effectively, synergies are realised, and operational, regulatory, and cultural risks are actively managed.

The Head of Integration will work closely with the CEO, COO, CFO, Corporate Development team, and private equity sponsors to translate deal strategy into executable integration plans that support sustainable value creation.

Key Responsibilities Post-Merger Integration Leadership

• Own the end-to-end integration of acquired businesses following completion.

• Develop and execute integration playbooks, frameworks, and governance structures.

• Lead multiple integrations in parallel across different stages of maturity.

• Ensure integrations are delivered on time, on budget, and in line with investment case assumptions.

Integration Planning & Execution

• Partner with Corporate Development during pre-deal phases to inform integration strategy and risk assessment.

• Translate deal theses into clear integration roadmaps with defined milestones and accountabilities.

• Coordinate integration across all functions including:

  • Operations

  • Finance

  • Risk & Compliance

  • IT / Systems

  • HR & People

  • Commercial and Client Services

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the central point of coordination between acquired management teams and the parent group.

• Build trusted relationships with founders and senior leaders of acquired businesses.

• Provide regular progress updates to the executive team, board, and PE sponsors.

• Manage external advisers where required.

Synergy Realisation & Value Creation

• Identify and track revenue, cost, and operational synergies.

• Monitor performance against integration KPIs and value creation targets.

• Resolve integration issues proactively and escalate risks where appropriate.

• Support cultural alignment while respecting local autonomy where required.

Governance, Risk & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure integrations comply with regulatory requirements relevant to financial services.

• Support FCA change-in-control processes and post-completion obligations where applicable.

• Embed group governance, controls, and operating standards across acquired businesses.

Candidate Profile Experience

• Significant experience leading post-merger integrations within financial services (e.g. insurance, wealth, banking, lending, payments, fintech or other regulated sectors).

• Background in:

  • Integration leadership,

  • COO / operations roles, or

  • Consulting / value-creation roles with strong PMI exposure.

• Experience operating in a PE-backed or acquisitive environmentt strongly preferred.

• Proven ability to manage multiple integrations concurrently.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong operational and commercial mindset.

• Highly organised, structured, and execution-focused.

• Comfortable working with ambiguity in fast-growth environments.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at C-suite and board level.

• Pragmatic, hands-on approach with a bias toward getting things done.

• Low-ego, collaborative leadership style.

Location

• London-based role.

• Hybrid working model.

• UK and occasional international travel as required.