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Company Description
ZALA is an entrepreneurial advisory and investment platform focused on cross-border M&A, strategic advisory, and financing solutions. We work closely with founders, corporates, investors, and strategic partners across international markets, with a strong focus on the UAE, Spain & Latam, and the US.
We operate in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment where team members are expected to think independently, execute at a high level, and contribute directly to the growth of the platform.
We are looking for an Associate who wants significant exposure, direct access to decision-making, and the opportunity to work across a broad range of strategic and transaction-related initiatives.
Role Overview
The Associate will play a central role in the execution of M&A transactions, strategic advisory mandates, and financing solutions initiatives, working directly with senior leadership in a highly entrepreneurial and fast-paced environment.
The role combines analytical rigor with hands-on execution across cross-border transactions, capital raising processes, and strategic projects for clients and partners.
This is a high-responsibility position with significant exposure from day one, requiring the ability to operate independently across multiple workstreams while interacting with senior stakeholders, investors, and advisors.
Preferred location: Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Candidates based in the UAE are strongly preferred.
Key responsibilities:
M&A, Strategic Advisory & Financing Execution:
- Lead day-to-day execution of live transactions and advisory mandates
- Financial modelling and valuation
- Preparation of marketing materials (teasers, IMs, presentations)
- Support financing and capital raising processes
- Coordinate advisors, clients, lenders, investors and counterparties
- Drive timelines and ensure delivery of key milestones
- Manage data rooms and information flows
Deal Flow & Pipeline Management:
- Maintain and prioritize active deal pipeline
- Prepare investment / opportunity summaries
- Track interactions and ensure follow-ups are executed
- Support origination and evaluation of new opportunities
Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives:
- Support the development of international partnerships
- Assist in managing relationships with partner firms, investors and institutions
- Contribute to structuring collaboration frameworks and strategic initiatives
Corporate Finance & Strategic Projects:
- Support strategic assessments and financing analyses
- Build business plans and operating models
- Assist in evaluating growth and expansion opportunities
- Support execution of special projects across the platform
Internal Infrastructure & Processes:
- Maintain CRM / internal systems (Notion or similar)
- Structure internal materials and execution playbooks
- Support reporting and internal organization
- Help improve internal workflows and operational efficiency
Profile:
- 3–5 years of experience in:
M&A / Investment Banking
Corporate Finance
Private Equity
or top-tier consulting with transaction exposure
- Strong financial modelling and analytical skills
- Experience working on transaction execution and advisory processes
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams independently
- High attention to detail and execution mindset
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Languages:
- English: mandatory (full professional proficiency)
- Spanish: valued / a plus
What we value:
- Someone who can own execution, not just support it
- Comfortable working in an unstructured, entrepreneurial environment
- Proactive, fast, and highly reliable
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability
- Ability to operate with discretion and professionalism
Why join ZALA:
- Direct exposure to senior leadership and decision-making
- Exposure to cross-border M&A, strategic advisory and financing projects
- Combination of advisory, strategic and entrepreneurial work
- Opportunity to help build and scale a fast-growing platform from an early stage
- Lean team environment with meaningful responsibility and impact
