Associate Manager M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions)

About the Job: The Associate Manager, M&A will report to the Director, M&A and play a critical role in advancing Pizza Hut's global growth strategy through mergers and acquisitions, franchise development initiatives, and strategic investments. In this position you will partner closely with senior leaders across Finance, Legal, and Development to evaluate opportunities, execute transactions, and drive long-term value creation across global markets. You will be required to attend the Plano, TX office three days per week (Tuesday - Thursday). Salary Range: $110,500 - $129,900 + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job-related factors. Primary Responsibilities: Develops and manages a structured pipeline and tracking process to maintain visibility into global M&A opportunities and transaction activity. Leads due diligence efforts on acquisition targets, providing independent analysis and strategic recommendations based on information from Business Market Units (BMUs), advisors, and external stakeholders. Builds robust financial models, valuations, and investment analyses to support strategic decision-making and transaction execution. Creates clear, compelling presentations and executive materials for senior leadership review and decision-making. Serves as a key thought partner to the CGO, CDO, Leadership Team (LT), and BMU Development leaders on PHG development strategy, including inorganic growth, M&A opportunities, Development Agreements, incentive structures, and other franchisee growth and ownership proposals. Leads financial modeling and analysis to inform development growth decisions, partnering with PHG Finance and Legal to evaluate commercial, financial, and policy implications. Engages and influences stakeholders and senior leaders to drive alignment and support decision-making, including the development of presentation materials and recommendations. Partners with BMUs, franchisees, and external stakeholders to design transaction structures, negotiate agreements, conduct due diligence, and support the execution of final agreements across multiple geographies. Coordinates and manages cross-functional implications and alignment across Legal, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, and other key business functions. Influences and aligns a diverse global network of stakeholders to drive collaboration, informed decision-making, and successful business outcomes. Minimum Requirements: 2 years of professional experience in M&A, Corporate Development, Investment Banking, Corporate Finance, Private Equity or Business Valuation. Bachelor's degree. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and effectively influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Confident engaging with, presenting to, and influencing senior leaders and decision-makers, with the ability to navigate complex and high-stakes discussions. Preferred Qualifications: Proficiency with Capital IQ, PitchBook, DealCloud, and the Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced financial modeling and analytical capabilities. Experience working across international markets and collaborating effectively with global stakeholders. Knowledge of the restaurant industry, including franchise business models and franchise economics. Project management experience, with the ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and drive initiatives to successful completion. Experience participating in complex transactions and supporting the deal process from inception through close. Highly self-motivated and results-oriented, with the ability to independently prioritize competing priorities, drive execution, and collaborate effectively to deliver outcomes within established timelines. Benefits: Employees (and their eligible family members) may enroll in the following types of insurance coverage: medical, dental, vision, legal, and accidental death and dismemberment, as well as FSA/HSA (depending on enrolled medical plan). Yum! also provides short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Employees may enroll in our 401(k) plan. Yum! provides 4 weeks of vacation, paid sick leave, 10 paid holidays, a floating day off and 2 paid days for volunteer time each calendar year. To learn more about working at Yum! - Click here. At Yum!, one of our core values is to Believe in ALL People. This means seeing the value in everyone and unlocking their full potential to be their best self. YUM! Brands, Inc. (including its subsidiaries Yum Restaurant Services Group, LLC (“YRSG”) and Yum Connect, LLC (“Yum Digital and Technology”) (collectively, “Yum”) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic. Yum! is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs. US Job Seekers/Employees - Click here to view the “Know Your Rights” poster and supplement and the Pay Transparency Policy Statement. This posting will be open for a minimum of two weeks. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected. Beware of fake job postings using Yum! and/or our brand logos -- KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill -- on fraudulent sites. Yum! Brands only posts jobs on official career pages and never asks for money during onboarding. Avoid unsolicited contacts via Telegram, WhatsApp or similar social apps.