[Hiring] Assistant Manager - Deal Management @EY

Role Description

We are seeking to expand our team in South Africa (supporting the larger UK team remotely) with experienced technology professionals who can understand how technology is deployed and utilised within a target business in addition to applying a critical lens to address key client questions related to technology in a Transaction such as:

• “Is the tech platform fit to scale, or will it impact the value-creation plan from day one of ownership?”
• “What’s the true cost and timeline to fix, modernise, or replace the critical technology holding the business back?”
• “How much technical debt are we really buying — and does it threaten the investment thesis?”
• “Where can technology drive immediate EBITDA uplift through automation, efficiency, or smarter digital capability?”
• “Where are the key risks associated with separating or replacing the technology landscape associated with the Target business?”

As an Assistant Manager, you will manage defined workstreams and smaller engagements, support senior team members on complex transactions, and contribute across the transaction lifecycle. The role combines hands-on analysis and delivery with client interaction, project management, coaching of junior colleagues and practice development.

Key Responsibilities

• Technology due diligence: Manage or support end-to-end technology due diligence across IT, software products, data, infrastructure, cybersecurity, architecture, delivery capability and technology spend. Identify material risks, value drivers, investment requirements and operational implications.
• Carve-out and integration: Assess technology dependencies and separation or integration complexity; support standalone and one-off cost analysis, TSA considerations, Day 1 readiness, target operating model development and execution planning.
• Analysis and problem solving: Structure analyses using a hypothesis-led approach, review data rooms and management information, build fact bases, test assumptions and draw clear, evidence-based conclusions.
• Project and workstream management: Plan and manage day-to-day delivery, including scope, workplans, priorities, team coordination, risks, issues and quality. Escalate matters appropriately and deliver to demanding transaction timelines.
• Client communication: Prepare high-quality reports, presentations and other client materials. Participate in management meetings and clearly translate technical findings into commercial, financial and transaction implications.
• Multidisciplinary delivery: Work closely with commercial, operational, financial, cyber and other EY teams to provide cohesive advice that connects technology findings to the broader deal thesis.
• Team development: Guide and review the work of junior team members, provide practical coaching and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team environment.
• Business and capability development: Support proposals, pitches, credentials, market-facing points of view, knowledge assets and internal initiatives that strengthen the Deal Technology practice in South Africa and internationally.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience in technology, engineering, information systems, business, finance or a related discipline.
• Relevant experience in professional services, consulting, transactions, corporate development, technology delivery or an industry technology role. M&A experience is advantageous but not essential.
• Experience delivering complex technology-focused projects or workstreams, including managing activities, outputs, stakeholders and delivery quality.
• Broad knowledge of a typical technology function and an ability to assess implications across people, process, applications, infrastructure, data, cyber, governance and cost.
• Exposure to one or more transaction contexts such as due diligence, acquisitions, divestitures, carve-outs, integrations, Day 1 readiness, TSA planning, standalone cost assessment or technology transformation.
• Experience producing high-quality, decision-oriented reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.
• An interest in working with private equity, corporate and senior technology stakeholders across multiple sectors and geographies.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of how technology supports business operations and value creation, with broad exposure to applications, infrastructure, cloud, data, cybersecurity, operating models and/or software product development.
• Commercial acumen and the ability to translate technology issues into concise implications for investors, executives and other non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis, including comfort working with technology cost data, operational information and incomplete data sets.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication, with strong report-writing and presentation skills.
• Effective project management, prioritisation and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Confident stakeholder management and the ability to build trusted working relationships across clients, EY teams and geographies.
• Proactive problem solving, intellectual curiosity and a willingness to challenge assumptions constructively.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to coach junior colleagues and contribute positively to team culture.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your individual and team performance.
• Comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development.
• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.