Technology M&A Manager at Grant Thornton in Chicago, IL

As a Manager in Grant Thornton | Stax Transactions, you will focus on delivering enterprise technology diligence and execution support for Private Equity and strategic clients across the transaction lifecycle. This role is centered on enterprise technology environments—including infrastructure, applications, data platforms, operating models, and execution readiness—and how these enable (or constrain) value creation in transactions. You will work closely with senior leaders to deliver insight-driven diligence, support integration and separation planning, and help clients translate technology findings into actionable outcomes.

Your day-to-day may include:

• Execute enterprise technology diligence workstreams for buy-side and sell-side transactions, including assessment of:
  • Core enterprise applications and infrastructure
  • Cloud platforms and hosting models (e.g., public, private, hybrid), cloud cost structures, and scalability
  • Data platforms, integration architecture, and analytics foundations
  • IT operating models, governance, and service delivery
  • Cybersecurity and privacy considerations (embedded within enterprise diligence and cloud environments)
  • Automation, tooling, and AI readiness within enterprise environments and cloud environment
• Perform structured qualitative and quantitative analyses to identify risks, constraints, and opportunities aligned to the investment thesis.
• Develop clear, well-organized diligence deliverables that connect enterprise technology findings to business impact, execution risk, and value implications**.**
• Support integration and separation planning efforts
• Assist in translating diligence findings into integration, separation, and remediation plans, including cloud migration, optimization, or rationalization considerations.
• Collaborate with Financial Due Diligence, Cyber, Strategy, and Transformation teams to ensure coordinated, enterprise-wide client delivery.
• Support proposal development, work planning, and budgeting for enterprise technology diligence engagements.
• Identify potential scope expansion opportunities related to enterprise technology and cloud modernization/optimization during active engagements and communicate them to engagement leadership.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of enterprise technology diligence methodologies, tools, and playbooks.
• Participate in internal training and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the Technology Transaction Advisory practice

You have the following technical skills and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Information Technology, Accounting, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in technology diligence, IT advisory, technology consulting, or a related role supporting transactions.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Technology operating models and architectures
  • Cloud platforms, deployment models, and cloud cost / operating economics
  • Software development and product engineering environments
  • Technology cost structures and operating economics
• Experience analyzing complex quantitative and qualitative data and synthesizing insights into clear, structured outputs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience working in cross-functional teams and client-facing environments.
• Experience working on Private Equity-backed transactions.
• Product-centric or software engineering experience (e.g., SaaS, digital platforms, technology-enabled business models).
• Exposure to digital transformation, automation, data platforms, or AI-enabled initiatives.
• Experience supporting integration or separation initiatives in M&A environments.
• Interest in developing a technology strategy and value creation perspective leveraging latest technology trends
• Can travel as needed. Expected travel is up to 50%

The base salary range for this position is between $182,144 and $213,786. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job -related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

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About the Team

The team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:

• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work the way that it best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least three days per week, either at a GT office or client site.

• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.

• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers

• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers

Here’s what you can expect next:

If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.

Benefits:

We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits

• Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave, and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.

• Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.

Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.

Additional Details:

It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton LLP to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact HRHelp@us.gt.com.

For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

For Massachusetts Applicants only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Gran Thornton does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employments or continued employment.

About the Company

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.