Corporate Development and M&A Associate

We are a lean, nimble, and highly adaptive team that works seamlessly and transparently with our Brands in order for them to take the spotlight. We focus our efforts and talents to drive best practices, capture new opportunities, and accelerate performance across our portfolio of brands. Joining the a.k.a. Brands team means rolling up your sleeves, digging into challenges, creating and implementing new strategies, and not being limited to the confines of a job title or job description. We all play on the same team and value the insights and contributions that every member of our team makes daily.

The Corporate Development and Mergers & Acquisitions Associate will play a crucial role in driving our strategic growth initiatives.

Reporting directly to the VP of Strategy, this role will primarily be responsible for sourcing and executing new M&A opportunities and supporting our capital markets strategy, while also gaining valuable operating experience within a leading consumer brand platform.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong record of academic achievement, coupled with experience in investment banking, consulting, or private equity, and a deep interest in private capital investment.

This position is a 2–3-year commitment offering unparalleled learning opportunities and intensive, hands-on training. While the opportunity exists to be promoted and remain with a.k.a., previous M&A associates have successfully transitioned to top-tier private equity firms following their tenure at a.k.a. Brands, with executive support.

• Sourcing Investment Opportunities:
• Identify, reach out to, and build relationships with entrepreneurs and executives of privately held apparel brands
• Develop and maintain relationships with investment bankers
• Collaborate with external advisors, such as consultants, accountants, and legal teams, to support due diligence efforts
• Analyze market trends, industry dynamics, and competitor performance to identify category-leading investment targets, gather insights, and provide strategic recommendations

• Investment Due Diligence:
• Perform financial and operational due diligence on investment and acquisition targets
• Conduct thorough financial analysis and modeling to support strategic decision-making, including three-statement financial modeling, customer cohort analysis, ad KPI analysis
• Work closely with our data & analytics team to build robust and repeatable processes for quickly evaluating new investments
• Quarterback the financial due diligence process, facilitating information requests and working closely with our executive experts across operations, marketing, merchandising, human resources, and legal to communicate key findings, quantify opportunities and risks, and develop a post-closing roadmap
• Prepare and present diligence conclusions to senior leadership, highlighting key findings and recommendations.
• Support the preparation of investment memos and presentations for internal investment committees.

• Capital Markets Strategy & Key Strategic Projects:
• Work cross functionally with our Investor Relations to prepare financial models and investor materials
• Evaluate capital sources and structure to fund new growth opportunities
• Evaluate other strategic uses of capital, including our growing store portfolio, new channel expansion and joint venture opportunities, licensing partnerships, and more

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field
• 1-3 years of experience in investment banking, direct investing, consulting or related roles.
• Proven experience in financial modeling, analysis, and strategic planning.
• Experience with mergers and acquisitions, including at an investment bank or in transaction services at a top-tier accounting firm is highly desired.

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build relationships with entrepreneurs, advisors, and team members in a collaborative environment.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in financial modeling, valuation techniques, and Excel. Technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP. Familiarity with CRM systems and market research tools is a plus.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong interest in and understanding of the fashion and apparel industry, including trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for creating reports, presentations, and investment committee materials. Highly organized and detail oriented.
• Analytical Mindset: Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and ability to synthesize complex information.
• Self-Starter: Demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to take ownership of tasks and projects.
• Principled: High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Work Ethic: Highly motivated self-starter committed to continuous learning, with the flexibility to work long hours, nights, and weekends, as needed

Benefits of Working at a.k.a. Brands:

Working with a best-in-class company, requires a best-in-class benefits and compensation offering. When taking on a role at a.k.a. Brands you will receive:

> Competitive market-based compensation and financial incentives.

> A full range of company-sponsored health and welfare benefits

> A sector leading 401(k) retirement program that matches 100% of your contributions up 5% of your pay

> Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 15% discount

> Generous discounts across our direct-to-consumer brands.

> A time-off package that includes 35-days off per year

> Learning, development, and stretch opportunities to help grow your career.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

a.k.a. Brands is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace. To facilitate this, we actively promote a culture of inclusivity internally and encourage both those with non-traditional backgrounds and candidates that identity as part of a traditionally marginalized community to apply for opportunities with us and our portfolio of brands. Additionally, we routinely review our hiring practices and recruiting sources to eliminate both potential and actual bias in the hiring process.

If you need assistance or accommodation during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at HR@aka-brands.com. Please note that we do not respond to application inquiries or resume submissions via this email address.

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