M&A Integration Project Manager

Job Title: M&A Integration Manager

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Department: M&A

Reports to: Director of M&A

Employment Type: Full-time

Remote: On-site

About Digs Dog Care

At Digs Dog Care, we’re more than a collection of Pet Resorts—we’re a pack with one vision: to build the most trusted dog care community. Here, teammates grow as leaders, pet parents experience legendary hospitality, and every dog thrives in a safe, spotless resort. As pets become family for more and more people, the demand for world-class care is only growing—and so is the need for passionate, skilled teammates. That’s where you come in.

Our mission is simple: elevate the standard of care for pets by expanding a network of exceptional resorts, empowering our teams with the training and tools to succeed, and earning the trust of pet parents for life. When you join Digs, you’re not just starting a job—you’re joining a community. We learn together, grow together, and celebrate every wag along the way.

Learn more at Digs Dog Care.

The Role: Integration Manager

The Integration Manager plays a critical role in shepherding newly acquired businesses through the integration lifecycle—from diligence handoff through Day 1 readiness and post-close value creation. This individual acts as a bridge between sellers, internal teams (Operations, Finance, HR, IT, Legal), and leadership to ensure deals progress smoothly and no step is overlooked.

Success requires strong emotional intelligence, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to translate diligence findings into actionable operational insights. While parts of the role are process- and checklist-driven, the Integration Manager must also exercise judgment, anticipate downstream impacts, and support teams in navigating the nuances of each acquisition.

This is an ideal role for someone with a background in client services, project management, or operations who thrives in a cross-functional environment and is energized by relationship-building and execution excellence. M&A experience is a plus but not required. This position offers long-term career growth into M&A leadership or P&L ownership roles within our organization.

Responsibilities

Deal Progression & Coordination

• Own the integration checklist and process, ensuring milestones are met and deals continue to move forward without bottlenecks.
• Serve as the central point of coordination between departments (Ops, Finance, IT, HR, Legal, etc.) to align workstreams and ensure readiness for Day 1.
• Track and report on integration progress, escalating risks or issues early.

Relationship Management

• Build high-trust relationships with sellers, supporting a smooth and positive transition process.
• Act as a liaison between sellers and internal stakeholders, ensuring communication remains clear, empathetic, and solution-oriented.
• Maintain a high-touch, service-minded approach when navigating sensitive conversations.

Diligence Interpretation & Operational Translation

• Digest diligence findings and distill key operational implications for internal teams.
• Help operations teams understand the acquired business model, revenue drivers, people structure, key processes, and potential operational risks.
• Work with internal leaders to refine Day 1 and post-close action plans based on diligence insights.

Day 1 & Post-Close Preparedness

• Ensure teams are prepared for Day 1 execution, including communications, onboarding flows, integration timelines, and value creation initiatives.
• Processs utilities transfers, review lease agreements, and other processes related to owning the real estate.
• Monitor early post-close performance and assist in supporting integration milestones.

Cross-Functional Enablement

• Facilitate strategic work sessions with operations and support functions to align on success metrics and transition plans.
• Support documentation of best practices and integration frameworks for future deals.

Required Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in project management, client services, operations coordination, or a similar cross-functional role.
• High emotional intelligence with a track record of managing stakeholders and building strong partnerships.
• Highly detail-oriented and process-driven, with strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Ability to digest complex information and translate it into actionable steps for others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortably working in a fast-paced environment with evolving deal dynamics.
• Experience navigating real estate transactions

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package including: Bonus and equity
• 401k Match
• Flexible Time Off
• Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
• Compensation Starting At: $100k 15% bonus Equity package