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Senior Project Manager (m/f/d) Mergers & Acquisitions - Job Opportunity at Dr. August Oetker Nahrungsmittel KG

Bielefeld, Germany
Full-time
Senior
Posted: May 26, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 85,000 - 120,000 annually plus performance bonuses. This estimate reflects the senior-level M&A expertise required, the strategic importance of the role within Dr. Oetker's corporate development function, and competitive compensation in the German market for professionals with 5+ years of M&A experience at multinational corporations.

Benefits

Comprehensive sabbatical program enabling extended career breaks for personal development and life balance
Premium bicycle leasing program (JobRad) promoting sustainable transportation and employee wellness
Extended vacation package including 30 days annual leave plus special Christmas and New Year holidays
Flexible work arrangements with mobile work options supporting work-life integration
Corporate pension plan providing long-term financial security
Professional development opportunities for continuous career advancement
On-site daycare partnerships supporting working parents
Premium employee restaurant with subsidized high-quality meals
Comprehensive health, sports and fitness programs promoting employee wellness
Convenient laundry service reducing personal time commitments
Exclusive access to Dr. Oetker World experiences and company events
Employee discount program for Dr. Oetker products

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic project management for global M&A transactions contributing directly to Dr. Oetker's international expansion and market consolidation efforts
Drive development and implementation of comprehensive M&A strategy positioning the company for competitive advantage in the food industry
Orchestrate complex due diligence processes ensuring thorough risk assessment and value optimization for multi-million euro transactions
Execute sophisticated business planning and valuation models that directly influence executive board investment decisions worth significant corporate capital
Prepare high-stakes investment proposals for executive board consideration impacting company's strategic direction and market position
Manage diverse corporate-level projects with varying complexity levels affecting multiple business units and international operations
Establish and maintain strategic stakeholder relationships across global markets including banks, consultants, and international business partners
Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between corporate departments and international subsidiaries ensuring seamless transaction execution

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Business/Economics (or a comparable qualification), with a focus on Finance, Mergers & Acquisition, Controlling or Accounting from a renowned university

Experience

At least 5 years of relevant work experience in Finance/Controlling, Consulting, M&A advisory, Investment Banking and/or corporate M&A with international exposure

Required Skills

Experience in leading, moderating and integrating teams and larger groups of stakeholders Deep knowledge in project management (ideally qualified) Knowledge of how to conduct due diligence processes Financial analyses and modelling skills Good conceptual, strategic and analytical thinking skills Strong Microsoft Office skills Experience in negotiating transactions (financial and contractual) and purchase price mechanism Excellent interpersonal and communications skills Fluent in English (spoken and written) Ability to win people's trust Very analytical, results driven, reliable and well-organised Hands-on mentality and a passion for excellence Ability to see the bigger picture and get to the heart of issues rapidly Independent, self-motivated and flexible character Willingness to work in a fast-paced and performance-driven working environment Desire to work in a transparent, collaborative and dynamic team environment
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The food and beverage industry is experiencing significant consolidation as companies seek to expand market share and achieve economies of scale in response to changing consumer preferences and supply chain pressures. Major players like Dr. Oetker are actively pursuing M&A strategies to strengthen their global footprint and diversify product portfolios, particularly in emerging markets and digital food services. Digital transformation in the food industry is driving M&A activity as traditional food companies acquire technology platforms, e-commerce capabilities, and direct-to-consumer brands to compete with new market entrants and changing consumer buying behaviors. European food companies are increasingly focused on international expansion through strategic acquisitions, particularly targeting North American and Asian markets where premium European food brands command higher margins and growth potential.

Role Significance

Typically manages cross-functional project teams of 8-15 professionals including internal stakeholders from finance, legal, operations, and regional management, while coordinating with external advisors, consultants, and banking partners across multiple time zones and jurisdictions.
This is a high-impact senior role positioned within the corporate development hierarchy, reporting directly to M&A leadership and interfacing with executive board members. The position carries significant responsibility for transaction outcomes that can influence company strategy and market position, indicating substantial decision-making authority and strategic influence.

Key Projects

Cross-border acquisitions of regional food brands to expand geographic presence and market share in target demographics Strategic partnerships and joint ventures with technology companies to enhance digital capabilities and e-commerce platforms Divestiture of non-core business units to optimize portfolio focus and capital allocation Integration planning and execution for newly acquired companies ensuring successful cultural and operational alignment

Success Factors

Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities enabling coordination of complex international teams with diverse interests and priorities while maintaining project momentum and executive confidence Advanced financial modeling expertise combined with strategic thinking to accurately assess deal value, identify synergies, and structure transactions that maximize shareholder value while minimizing integration risks Cultural intelligence and communication skills necessary for navigating international business environments, understanding local market dynamics, and building trust with acquisition targets and external partners Project management excellence with ability to manage multiple concurrent transactions under tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and risk management protocols

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased M&A activity in the food sector and limited supply of experienced professionals with both corporate development and international transaction experience.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Financial modeling and valuation expertise is essential as the role requires building complex DCF models, comparable company analyses, and synergy assessments that directly influence multi-million euro investment decisions and board-level strategic choices Cross-cultural communication and stakeholder management skills are vital given the international scope of transactions and the need to coordinate diverse teams across different legal, regulatory, and business environments while maintaining project alignment and momentum Due diligence leadership capabilities are crucial as the role involves managing comprehensive risk assessment processes that can make or break major transactions, requiring attention to detail, analytical rigor, and ability to synthesize complex information for executive decision-making

Beneficial Skills

Industry-specific knowledge of food manufacturing, supply chain management, and consumer goods marketing would accelerate effectiveness in evaluating acquisition targets and identifying strategic synergies within Dr. Oetker's business model Digital transformation expertise including e-commerce, data analytics, and technology platform integration would be valuable as the company continues to modernize its business model and acquire digital capabilities Regulatory and compliance expertise across multiple jurisdictions would enhance ability to navigate complex international transactions and ensure successful deal closure in diverse regulatory environments

Unique Aspects

Direct exposure to family-owned multinational corporate governance providing insights into long-term strategic planning and stakeholder management beyond typical public company constraints
Opportunity to work on transactions spanning traditional food manufacturing, digital platforms, and emerging food technologies reflecting the industry's evolution toward omnichannel consumer engagement
Access to Dr. Oetker's extensive international network and established market relationships facilitating complex cross-border transactions and partnerships
Involvement in sustainability-focused acquisitions and partnerships as the company adapts to changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements around environmental responsibility

Career Growth

3-5 years to director level with demonstrated success in major transactions, 7-10 years to VP/C-suite roles depending on market conditions and individual performance in high-visibility deals.

Potential Next Roles

Director of Corporate Development leading the entire M&A function and strategic planning initiatives Vice President of Strategy with broader responsibility for corporate strategy formulation and market expansion Chief Development Officer at a mid-size food company with full P&L responsibility for growth initiatives Partner track positions at top-tier strategy consulting firms or investment banks specializing in food and consumer goods

Company Overview

Dr. August Oetker Nahrungsmittel KG

Dr. Oetker is a well-established German multinational food company with over 130 years of history, known for its strong brand portfolio including frozen pizzas, baking products, and desserts. The company operates across multiple continents with significant presence in Europe, North America, and emerging markets, maintaining a reputation for quality and innovation in the consumer foods sector.

Dr. Oetker holds a strong market position as one of Europe's leading food companies with annual revenues exceeding EUR 7 billion. The company competes with major players like Nestlé, Unilever, and General Mills while maintaining particular strength in the frozen foods and baking categories where it often leads or holds significant market share.
Bielefeld serves as the global headquarters providing strategic oversight for international operations spanning over 40 countries. The location offers proximity to other major German corporations and access to the broader European market while maintaining the company's traditional roots in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Family-owned company culture emphasizing long-term thinking, quality focus, and employee development, combined with modern corporate governance and performance-driven execution. The organization balances traditional German business values with international best practices and innovation requirements.
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