M&A Integration & Strategic Projects Manager

Role Summary The M&A Integration & Strategic Projects Manager is responsible for planning and executing the successful integration of acquired companies into the organization. This role leads integration efforts from pre‑close planning through post‑close execution, ensuring operational continuity, value creation, and cultural alignment while minimizing disruption to employees and clients. The M&A Integration & Strategic Projects Manager serves as the central orchestrator of cross‑functional M&A integration workstreams and operates as a trusted business partner to executive leaders, functional heads, and acquired‑company leadership. Success in this role requires exceptional program management skills, strong judgment, emotional intelligence, and the ability to drive outcomes through influence rather than authority. Responsible for leading high‑priority, cross‑functional initiatives that advance the company’s strategic objectives. This role serves as a central project manager and execution partner for executive‑sponsored initiatives that require coordination across functions, governance rigor, and clear accountability. This role brings structure, discipline, and momentum to complex initiatives that fall outside day‑to‑day business operations. Success in this role requires strong project management capability, executive‑level communication skills, and the ability to influence outcomes in a highly matrixed environment. Key Responsibilities 1. Integration Leadership & Governance
Lead multiple M&A integrations simultaneously across all phases (pre‑close, Day‑0/Day‑1, post‑close).
Stand up and operate the Integration Management Office (IMO), including governance cadence, workstream management, and reporting.
Develop and maintain integrated project plans, milestones, risks, and dependencies.
Drive accountability across functional workstreams (HR, IT, Finance, Accounting, Legal, Operations, Marketing, Real Estate).
Escalate risks, issues, and decisions to executive sponsors as needed 2. Integration Readiness
Ensure operational readiness for critical activities including:
Payroll, benefits, and HR onboarding
Financial reporting and accounting continuity
IT access, security, and collaboration tools
Client and employee communications
Coordinate sequencing and timing to minimize disruption and maintain business continuity. 3. Cross‑Functional Integration Execution
Partner with functional leaders to develop detailed integration plans and deliverables.
Track progress against commitments and ensure timely execution.
Facilitate integration working sessions, IMO meetings, and leadership reviews.
Ensure consistency with enterprise integration standards, playbooks, and policies. 4. Value Creation & Synergy Realization
Support execution of the Value Creation Plan (VCP) and synergy initiatives.
Track and report on integration outcomes and value realization. 5. Communications & Change Management
Develop and coordinate integration communications, including:
Leadership guides and FAQs
Employee welcome materials and presentations
Day‑1 announcements and talking points
Facilitate employee and leadership Q&A sessions.
Serve as a stabilizing presence for acquired teams during periods of change. 6. Strategic Projects & Continuous Improvement
Support or lead enterprise strategic initiatives requiring centralized project management.
Lead enterprise‑level strategic initiatives aligned with growth, operational excellence, and transformation priorities.
Translate strategic objectives into clear workplans, milestones, and success metrics.
Ensure initiatives remain aligned with executive intent and evolving business priorities. Qualifications Required
5–8+ years of experience in M&A integration, corporate strategy, consulting, or complex program management.
Demonstrated success leading cross‑functional initiatives in matrixed environments.
Strong executive‑level communication and stakeholder management skills.
Proven ability to manage ambiguity, competing priorities, and tight timelines. Preferred
Experience working within an Integration Management Office (IMO) or Change Management Office
Familiarity with ERP, finance, HRIS, and collaboration system integrations.
Background in professional services, consulting, or multi‑entity organizations.
Exposure to private equity‑backed or acquisitive growth environments. Core Competencies
Program & portfolio management
Executive communication & influence
Structured problem‑solving
Change management & organizational sensitivity
Financial and operational acumen
High emotional intelligence