Market Research Specialist

This is a remote position.

The role

Each analyst is paired with one of our M&A Advisers and sources off-market acquisition targets for that adviser’s buy-side clients. These are mostly UK SME buyers: private equity, family offices, trade buyers and entrepreneurs. The work covers a range of industries, for example FM/HVAC, testing and compliance, accountancy, IT/MSP, healthcare, childcare and manufacturing.

Day to day

• Building target lists from our data tools against each client’s criteria. We expect at least 350 companies ready for outreach each week

• Outreach to business owners by phone, email campaigns and LinkedIn, then qualifying their interest and basic financials (turnover, EBITDA, ownership, reasons for selling)

• Setting up introductory calls between owners and our advisers

• Keeping the CRM accurate: every company, contact, source and outreach channel recorded

• Attending a weekly mandate meeting with the advisers and reporting on monthly targets

Targets

The role is measured on output: off-market opportunities per month (currently 22, going up in 2027) and introductory calls (around 10 a month). We need someone who is comfortable working towards clear monthly numbers.

Hours

Full time, 40 hours a week, on UK business hours (roughly 9:00–17:30 UK).

What sets our best people apart

• They’re strong researchers. They understand each client’s criteria and find businesses that genuinely fit, not just ones that match a sector code. That means going beyond the database to company websites, filed accounts and industry directories, and spotting good businesses that others miss

• They run outreach campaigns with discipline. Lists are built and campaigns sent on schedule every week, follow-ups are never missed, and they track what’s working and adjust

• They get owners talking. Most of the businesses we approach aren’t for sale, and our best people can turn “not selling” into “happy to have a conversation”

• They’re resourceful. When there’s no phone number or decision maker, they find another way in through email, LinkedIn or the company’s website

• They work closely with their adviser. They ask questions, understand each client’s priorities and share what’s working

• They manage themselves well. They plan their own day and hit their numbers without anyone checking on them

• They’re accurate. Their CRM records are clean and complete, so the whole team can rely on them

Requirements

• What we’re looking for**

• 2+ years in outbound sales, research or business development (financial sales, recruitment, insurance and real estate all work well)

• Confident talking with business owners in fluent English. This matters most

• Comfortable researching on their own initiative: reading a company’s website, filed accounts and LinkedIn and judging quickly whether it fits a client

• Organised and careful with data. CRM experience is a plus

• Resilient and self-driven. They’ll be working remotely, so they have to keep the pipeline moving without someone watching over them

• Interest in M&A is a bonus. Prior experience isn’t needed