M&A Project Director (W/M)

The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry through portions of dairy, fruit and plant-based products, and one of the world leaders in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin®, Pom'Potes® and GoGo squeeZ®, as well as some 30 local brands. Together, these brands helped the Group generate sales of €3.74 billion in 2024.

Since the past 20 years, Bel put the Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility at the heart of its strategy, enabling us to become a mission‑led company (since 2024). Hence we created the Impact Team, gathering in the same community Environmental, Social, Governance and Finance teams. The Impact function brings together Profitability and Sustainability to serve a global performance model based on two legs co‑piloting.

LOCATION AND START DATE

Permanent contract to be filled as soon as possibleLocation: Suresnes (92) – Bel Group headquarters

M&A Project Director

In a context of transformation and growth, the M&A Project Director plays a key role in defining and executing the Group’s external growth and strategic partnership strategy. As M&A Director, you are responsible for identifying, analyzing, negotiating and monitoring the Group’s external growth (acquisitions, divestments, partnerships) operations, with a constant focus on sustainable value creation. We are seeking a committed individual with strong business acumen, who is curious and eager to work on cross‑border and cross‑cultural projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Origination

• Contribute to the definition of the Group’s overall M&A strategy, in alignment with the corporate vision.
• Continuously identify new investment, acquisition or divestment opportunities in all the key regions for Bel (market screening, sector monitoring, trend analysis, etc.).
• Oversee the mapping of potential targets and coordinate initial outreach phases.

Analysis & Due Diligence

• Lead and supervise the financial, strategic and operational analysis of targets: business plan modelling, valuation, synergy analysis and risk identification.
• Lead due diligence processes (financial, legal, tax and operational) in coordination with internal teams and external advisors.
• Challenge and validate analysis materials prepared for senior management and governance bodies.

Negotiation & Structuring

• Prepare, coordinate and lead negotiations with counterparties (targets, sellers, advisory firms, investment banks, etc.).
• Define transaction structures (legal and financial) with the support of internal teams (legal, tax, finance) and external lawyers/advisors.
• Ensure the drafting, supervision and validation of contractual documentation (LOI, SPA, shareholders’ agreements, etc.) in collaboration with the legal team.

Project Management

• Lead M&A projects end‑to‑end: timeline management, stakeholder coordination (internal and external), reporting and overall project governance.
• Drive cross‑functional project teams: finance, tax, legal, HR, IT, operations, etc.
• Ensure post‑acquisition follow‑up (closing, integration, performance monitoring, compliance with deal commitments).

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare presentations, executive summaries and reports for the Corporate Group M&A Director, the Executive Committee and the internal governance bodies.
• Communicate proactively and transparently on project progress to all relevant departments.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree (Business School, Engineering School or equivalent)
• Significant experience (10+ years) in corporata M&A, investment banking, private equity or transaction advisory
• Strong knowledge of financial modelling, valuation techniques, and the legal and tax aspects of transactions.

Key Skills

• Strong strategic and analytical capabilities (high level of synthesis, rigor).
• Leadership skills, ability to manage cross‑functional projects, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience in negotiating and structuring complex and international deals.
• High level of autonomy, results‑driven mindset, strong business orientation and adaptability.
• Fluent English required, additional languages are a plus depending on the Group’s international scope.

OUR ADVANTAGES

• Fixed salary over 13 months
• Performance bonus
• Profit‑sharing/Employee savings plan (PEE)
• Company restaurant
• Compensatory leave (RTT)
• Health and life insurance
• Access to the many benefits of the Social and Economic Committee (CSE)
• Remote working policy