Director, Integration Management Office (IMO), M&A

Position Summary

The Director of the Ryan Specialty Integration Management Office (IMO) will serve as a strategic leader, driving Ryan Specialty’s growth through successful integration of other firms. This role focuses on operational diligence, integration planning, and execution across multiple business functions to ensure seamless transitions and value realization.

The Director will play a critical role in shaping integration strategy, building a high-performing team. The role demands a seasoned leader who excels in navigating complexity, influencing cross-functional stakeholders, and delivering results in a dynamic, high-growth environment.

What will your job entail?

M&A Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement integration strategies, processes, and playbooks for acquisitions.
• Lead due diligence efforts with a focus on Day 1 readiness and end-state operating model design across multiple functions.
• Engage executives to align on strategic objectives, identify integration risks, and drive decision-making.
• Manage integration planning for front-office and back-office operations, including IT, Finance, Legal, Information Security, and HR.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Build and mentor a team of integration and project managers to support the growing volume and complexity of M&A activity at the firm.
• Coordinate with product, finance, legal, and operations teams to align on integration priorities and timelines.
• Collaborate with the Organizational Change Management (OCM) team to drive communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders during M&A transactions.

Process Optimization

• Identify and execute efficiency improvements in deal and integration workflows.
• Institutionalize best practices through post-integration evaluations and refinement of integration playbooks.
• Prepare and communicate program schedules, milestones, budgets and outcomes with stakeholders.
• Manage program issues/risks and provides recommended solutions/course of action.
• Interact with internal and external peers and management to share highly complex information related to areas of expertise and/or to gain acceptance of new or enhanced technology / business solutions.
• Collaborate with executives to remove barriers to timely and cost-effective project completion.
• Coordinate and track resources, assets, financials and schedules to ensure timely program outcomes. Assist team members and leaders in making cost / benefit decisions.
• Lead and mentor project managers (both full time employee and contractor)
• Track and report metrics, goals and KPI’s to measure business outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of project/program management experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with M&A programs from the buyer’s side with a focus on integrations in a complex, matrixed environment
• Deep understanding of the M&A lifecycle, including pre-close readiness, Day One planning, and post-close execution.
• At least 5 years of experience of direct leadership, indirect leadership and/or cross functional team leadership
• Exceptional communication and executive presence, with the ability to influence senior leadership and manage complex stakeholder dynamics.
• Experience prioritizing and performing multiple tasks in time-critical situations.
• Experience developing new business models and opportunities; defining, developing, and documenting business requirements and functional specifications.

Ryan Specialty is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building and sustaining a diverse workforce throughout the organization. Our vision is an inclusive and equitable workplace where all employees are valued for and evaluated on their performance and contributions. Differences in race, creed, color, religious beliefs, physical or mental capabilities, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and many other characteristics bring together varied perspectives and add value to the service we provide our clients, trading partners, and communities. This policy extends to all aspects of our employment practices, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring,