M&A Manager

M&A Manager

Bekaert Group

Zwevegem, Belgium

Purpose and Mission

We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented M&A professional who will play a key role in shaping Bekaert's future growth agenda through strategic transactions and corporate development initiatives. As M&A Manager, you will lead complex mergers, acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures and strategic partnerships from opportunity assessment through execution and integration, contributing directly to the realization of Bekaert's long-term strategic ambitions.

Key Activities and Responsibilities

• You lead and coordinate mergers, acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures and other strategic transactions from target identification through closing and post-deal integration.
• You support the development and management of Bekaert's M&A pipeline by identifying, screening and prioritizing opportunities aligned with strategic objectives and portfolio priorities.
• You develop robust business cases and investment recommendations by evaluating strategic fit, value creation opportunities, transaction risks and financial returns.
• You coordinate and lead cross-functional due diligence processes involving Finance, Legal, Tax, HR, Operations, IT, Compliance and other key stakeholders.
• You oversee valuation activities and financial analyses, challenge assumptions and ensure high-quality insights to support investment decisions.
• You prepare for and participate in transaction negotiations, supporting deal structuring and execution in close collaboration with senior leadership.
• You build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including Business Unit leaders, functional experts and executive management, as well as external advisors, legal counsel, consultants and investment banks.
• You manage multiple strategic projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment across workstreams, effective risk management and timely delivery of key milestones.
• You support and coordinate post-merger integration activities to facilitate successful business transitions and the realization of expected synergies and value creation objectives.
• You ensure all corporate development activities are conducted in line with company policies, governance standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• You contribute to the continuous improvement of M&A methodologies, processes and tools while coaching and supporting junior team members, including the M&A Analyst.

About You

• Master’s degree in finance, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, Law or a related field.
• Minimum 4-8 years of professional experience in M&A, Corporate Development, Investment Banking, Transaction Services, Private Equity, Corporate Finance or a related field.
• Proven track record of leading and executing complex M&A transactions and coordinating cross-functional due diligence and transaction processes.
• Strong financial modelling, valuation and business case development capabilities, with the ability to translate analysis into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent project management skills, successfully managing multiple priorities, stakeholders and workstreams in a dynamic environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capabilities, with the ability to build credibility across functions, business units and senior leadership teams.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills, capable of navigating complex situations and balancing competing interests.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present executive-level recommendations and business cases.
• Highly analytical mindset with strong critical thinking skills and a keen attention to detail.
• Leadership capabilities with the ability to guide transaction teams, foster collaboration and coach less experienced colleagues.
• Comfortable operating in a global, multicultural environment and collaborating effectively across regions and functions.
• Experience in post-merger integration, value creation initiatives and transformation programmes is considered an advantage.
• Additional qualifications such as CFA, MBA or equivalent are considered an advantage.