The opportunity

Your key responsibilities

• Originate and qualify M&A opportunities by identifying attractive businesses, acquisition targets and transaction themes, assessing strategic fit and developing credible transaction or commercial theses.
  
  
• Develop acquisition theses by combining sector analysis, company intelligence and commercial judgement to identify attractive acquisition opportunities.
  
  
• Engage directly with the market, including business owners, private equity investors, advisers and other market participants, to develop relationships and opportunities.
  
  
• Support priority private equity accounts and targeted origination campaigns, including understanding investment strategies, mapping portfolio companies and identifying credible acquisition and bolt-on opportunities across priority accounts, sectors and market themes.
  
  
• Build new-to-EY relationships and identify opportunities within EYs existing relationships, working with account teams and Partners to develop transaction hypotheses, appropriate approaches and routes to decision-makers.
  
  
• Lead the day-to-day operation of the Deal Origination Hub, setting priorities, allocating work and developing team members; overseeing the origination intelligence platform and pipeline; using data, technology and AI to improve origination; and working across EY-Parthenon and broader EY teams to convert originated opportunities into pursuits and mandates.

Skills and attributes for success

Ideally, youll have the skills and attributes below, but dont worry if you dont tick all the boxes. Were interested in your aptitude, attitude and willingness to learn.  

• 5+ years relevant experience in M&A, corporate finance, deal origination, private equity, corporate development or a closely related environment, with a strong understanding of M&A and acquisition strategy.
  
  
• Strong commercial judgement and analytical capability, with the ability to turn detailed company, market and sector information into focused acquisition or origination theses. 
  
  
• Confidence and persistence in approaching business owners, investors and advisers directly, together with demonstrated relationship-building and senior stakeholder management capability. 
  
  
• The ability to manage and develop a small team while remaining personally involved in origination, operate with initiative and personal accountability, and use data, AI and emerging technology to improve research, screening and origination. 

What we offer you 

At EY, well fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Were proud to be recognised as the #1 WORK180 Endorsed Employer in the Top 101 Employers for Women 2026.Learn more. 

• Career development: At EY, your career is yours to shape! Well develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences ey.com/au/careerdevelopment 

• Flexible work arrangements: Our flexible work policies empower you to balance your professional and personal life, fostering a culture of trust and autonomy.  

• A comprehensive benefits package: From a yearly wellness incentive, to access to additional 8 weeks of flex leave per year, and family-friendly policies, including up to 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave, we cater to your diverse needs to help you thrive both personally and professionally www.ey.com/au/benefits   

• Salary: We offer a competitive salary which is open to negotiation pending on skills and experience. 

Acknowledgement of Country 

EY acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which EY offices are located around Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures, and to their Elders past, present, and emerging. Find out more about our vision for reconciliation at ey.com/en_au/careers/indigenous 

Inclusiveness is core to who we are and how we work together, driving value for our people and for our business. We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities and are committed to providing an equitable and barrier free recruitment experience for all. We encourage you to share any support and adjustments you need to be your best and participate equitably in our recruitment process. We understand sharing your needs with us can be daunting, so if you have questions before or during your application, we welcome you to get in touch at contactrecruitment@au.ey.com or +61 3 8650 7788 (option 2). Anything you tell us will be kept completely confidential. 

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today. 

EY | Building a better working world 

Our preferred applicant will be required to undertake employment screening by EY or our external third-party provider. 

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