top of page
Greyson, Sr. M&A and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow Group: Advize Career Interview
A career in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and partnership integration offers exciting variability and high-level impact, as evidenced by a senior manager at Zillow Group.
The path began with an economics and entrepreneurship background, leading to consulting internships and roles at EY and Workday before culminating in a leadership position at Zillow.
This journey highlights the importance of problem-solving, communication, and a thirst for knowledge, with a strong accounting foundation considered crucial.
Day-to-day work involves intense project management, cross-functional collaboration, and navigating the complexities of a large organization, requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.
While entry-level positions are typically found in consulting or through MBA programs, building a foundation in business operations or other functions within a larger corporation provides invaluable experience.
The role’s unique challenges and exposure to senior leadership, coupled with a consumer-centric industry focus and the ability to see tangible results, make this a rewarding career path for quick learners with a desire to continuously expand their skillset.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Greyson Gardlik
Sr. M&A and Partnership Integration Manager
Zillow Group
University of Arizona
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Business Management & Admin, Entrepreneurship
Real Estate
Business Strategy
None Applicable
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a Senior M&A and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow
Greyson's career journey began with an economics and entrepreneurship double major, fueling an interest in "business strategy and corporate strategy," leading to consulting internships in real estate and M&A. This path progressed through roles at EY, focusing on real estate transactions and then management consulting with a technology focus, culminating in in-house M&A integration management roles at Workday and currently at Zillow Group, where they "lead the M&A integration function."
Main Responsibilities of a Senior Mergers and Acquisitions and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow
Greyson's role as a Sr. M&A and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow Group involves leading and managing the integration of acquired companies, "taking that company from early on once we sign a deal...all the way through to getting the purchase agreement signed," and coordinating numerous work streams across various functional areas. This work also extends to managing complex partnerships requiring significant product and financial integration, demonstrating a career focused on high-level cross-functional collaboration and strategic alignment within a large organization.
A Day In The Life Of A Senior M&A And Partnership Integration Manager At Zillow Group
A senior M&A and Partnership Integration Manager's day varies greatly depending on the deal phase, from "heavy on the learning" during diligence to intense project management ensuring timely execution amidst competing priorities later on. This role requires a broad understanding of various business functions, acting as a connector across the organization while "constantly battling different competing priorities" to achieve successful integrations.
Important Skills for an M&A and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow Group
Greyson, a Senior M&A and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow Group, emphasizes that problem-solving, "quickly analyz[ing] an issue, and rapidly solution[ing] things," and communication are paramount. The role demands strong organizational skills to manage numerous tasks and a "thirst for knowledge" to quickly grasp target company operations and effectively communicate this understanding to Zillow's broader team.
Favorite Parts of Being a Senior M&A and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow Group
Greyson enjoys the "variability" and unique challenges of each M&A deal, allowing for expertise development across various business units and cross-functional collaboration. This role provides invaluable exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making within a large organization, offering a unique perspective that's accelerated their career growth.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Sr. M&A and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow Group
Greyson's biggest challenges as a Sr. M&A and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow Group include "bandwidth," managing a large number of reports with a small team, and navigating the complexities of a matrixed organization to gain alignment from senior leadership on strategic decisions. This requires skillful management of competing priorities and personalities, a process Greyson describes as "playing...a good cop bad cop," to ensure efficient decision-making and avoid project delays.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Real Estate Industry As A Senior Mergers And Acquisitions And Partnership Integration Manager
Greyson's excitement stems from Zillow's consumer-centric nature, enabling a relatable connection to their work in M&A and partnership integration; the ability to "touch and feel" the impact of acquisitions, coupled with a long-standing interest in real estate and simplifying the complex home-buying process, fuels their passion for the company's future.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The M&A Industry According To An M&A Integration Manager At Zillow Group
To thrive in mergers and acquisitions and partnership integration, a quick learner with a "desire to learn a new skill" and strong analytical abilities is needed. The ideal candidate is also charismatic, able to "sell yourself as an expert," and adept at rapidly switching between diverse tasks and perspectives, as the role demands interactions with various company functions.
What a Senior Mergers and Acquisitions Integration Manager at Zillow Group wishes they had known before entering the Mergers and Acquisitions industry
Greyson, a senior M&A and Partnership Integration Manager, advises aspiring professionals to prioritize developing a strong accounting foundation, stating it's "a core driver in a lot of deals." Beyond technical skills, they emphasize exploring diverse paths within M&A, encouraging individuals to identify "what skills or what things they like doing" to find a fulfilling career trajectory rather than solely focusing on traditional finance routes.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring M&A And Partnership Integration Managers
Greyson, a Senior M&A and Partnership Integration Manager, advises that direct entry into a similar role post-undergrad is difficult; the most common entry point is through consulting firms like McKinsey or the Big Four, or pursuing an MBA. However, building a foundation in business operations roles, or roles in "sales, marketing, customer support, customer success," within larger corporations, provides valuable experience in understanding business functions—critical for M&A work, which involves "how do you take one business and fit it inside another?".
Significant Career Lesson From a Mergers and Acquisitions Manager at Zillow Group
A significant career lesson learned by the senior M&A and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow Group is the importance of attention to detail, emphasizing "measuring twice and cutting once" to avoid errors with potentially serious consequences. This meticulous approach is crucial in their high-stakes role, ensuring confidence in work product and effective communication with upper management and external partners.
College Experiences That Helped a Senior M&A and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow Group Succeed
Greyson's proactive approach to career exploration, including "doing the due diligence and having a personal interest in the direction of career," significantly propelled their career. This involved networking extensively, "going to career fairs, talking to people," and maintaining professional relationships, demonstrating that early career self-investment and relationship building are crucial for success.
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page