Director Operational Due Diligence, Private Equity Portfolios

Description

Alvarez & Marsal (“A&M”) is a global consulting firm with more than $2.5+ billion in revenues, c. 8000 staff and over 70 offices worldwide. We offer a broad range of professional services including Restructuring, Transaction Advisory, Performance Improvement, Corporate Transformation, Financial Institutions Advisory, Tax, Valuations, and Disputes and Investigation Services. 

We are an independent advisory firm, unrestricted by any conflict with audit mandates and we operate cross-border as one team.

Department:  Private Equity Performance Improvement (PEPI)

Alvarez and Marsal’s dedicated PEPI professionals work with Investors and their portfolio companies to provide independent analysis and end to end services across the investment life cycle that deliver results in every economic cycle.

Whether serving in a performance improvement advisory capacity for an under-performing company or in interim management roles, we draw on a deep operational heritage and proven approaches, such as our proprietary diagnostic – the Rapid Results Program, which helps to quickly and effectively assess business process management risks and identify key areas impeding performance.

Through our PEPI practice, Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) offers assistance to private equity owned portfolio companies that are under-performing or with a need of re-organisation and re-positioning. Working directly with company management, A&M's involvement reassures all stakeholders that the company is taking important steps to address its problems and maximize its value.

Purpose of the ODD Director role:

Within our established and highly regarded Private Equity Performance Improvement team, an opportunity exists for an Operational Due Diligence (ODD) specialist at the Director level in Amsterdam. We are looking to hire someone who has a successful track record with a blend of operational and commercial skills, an entrepreneurial approach and networks across the M&A community.

Supported by the European Private Equity Performance Improvement team, you will help build the profile and reputation of A&M PEPI in the Netherlands, specifically in the key specialism of ODD. You will reflect the operational distinctiveness that is A&M; a business savvy, solution focused business entrepreneur who is determined to make a difference and not afraid to challenge the status-quo. The Director will deliver both interim and advisory assignments in Pre and Post Deal.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational due diligence, 100-day planning, post-merger integration and performance improvement;
• Advising and implementing performance improvement programs for major corporations across a wide range of industry sectors;
• Evaluating both cost reduction and revenue enhancement opportunities;
• Leading the post-acquisition work to ensure that the ODD was realized in full and in the shortest possible time;
• Developing detailed and robust methodology to ensure that the in the first 100 days total clarity and ownership is created throughout the organization, a clear path to delivering the growth and cost reduction developed and the identified quick wins delivered;
• Support delivery of projects with private equity owned businesses to assess opportunities to improve their financial /operating performance and implement findings and recommendations;
• Work with private equity owned clients through the full spectrum of complex issues that arise in operations, including manufacturing, supply chain management, logistics and purchasing;
• Contribute strongly to business development activity including developing successful pitches and selling, on from the initial “diagnostic” project phase into implementation work;
• Initial rapid diagnostic into a company's immediate and future major operational issues, product profitability, cost base, manufacturing processes and options for performance improvement;
• Supporting PE firms to ensure their portfolio companies have credible plans and the ability to execute and deliver the financial results required;
• Developing & implementing a new operating plan to improve the business operational performance.

Requirements for this position:

• Must have extensive knowledge of Operational Due Diligence (ideally in a client-site focused delivery model) in a top tier strategy firm, leading specialist and/or niche advisory firm or ‘Big 4’ consultancy;
• Recent, relevant experience in International Operations, including manufacturing, supply chain management, purchasing and logistics (ideally within retail, pharma or business services);
• A recent track record of successfully delivering major operational due diligence assignments at pre and post deal;
• Must be Private Equity Industry Savvy with established experience of working with Private Equity backed portfolio companies;
• Experience in operational KPIs, Balance Score Cards, and a reporting/ review process to ensure continuous improvement of the operational performance of the business;
• Understand and execute LEAN production philosophy;
• Lead holistic performance improvement projects, understanding different kinds of Project Management Office (PMO) tools;
• Must have an ability and willingness to travel (potentially from Day 1) to client sites, across the UK & European regions, at short notice as part of the working week;
• A minimum Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 'Grande Ecoles' university is essential;
• Clear determination to deliver the latest thinking in pre and post deal solutions;
• Fluency to a business level in both English and Dutch is essential;
• Strong analytical and communication skills that can help to engage effectively with leadership teams in pressure situations.

Desirable:

• MBA or financial qualification preferred but not required;
• Additional European languages are also highly desirable;
• Have a varied cross sector background including telecommunications, automotive, manufacturing, energy, retail, consumer goods, transport, business services and healthcare.

Why A&M?

Companies, investors and government entities around the world turn to Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) for leadership, action and results.  A&M’s leadership is about a bias towards action and the willingness to tell clients what we think is needed. Our restructuring heritage sharpens our ability to act decisively.  Clients select us for our deep expertise and ability to create and deliver practical, rather than theoretical, solutions to their unique problems in addition to our objectivity. 

Privately held since its founding in 1983, A&M is a leading global professional services firm that provides advisory, business performance improvement and turnaround management services. When conventional approaches are not enough to create transformation and drive change, clients seek our deep expertise and ability to deliver practical solutions to their unique problems.

Our lifestyle and values:

Attracted by our meritocratic culture and the opportunity to build a business with like-minded individuals, our people have joined A&M from senior roles industry and commerce, the Big 4, top tier strategy houses, private equity firms, hedge funds and leading financial services institutions. A&M is an outcomes focused business founded on the principles of objectivity, pragmatism and tangible and measurable success.

Our people have built their credentials through careers that combine experience in industry management and professional services. A&M has a proven track record of managing complex, high profile situations and delivery through world class expertise and excellence in execution. The culture of the business offers variety of skill, language, heritage and professional background and therefore is unique in terms of style and approach. This is a business where your colleagues are your best allies and ideally, your best friends. A business where good friendships thrive and trust is as true internally as with the client. Furthermore, the values of the business which include integrity and fun as well as just reward for great work comes to life when you become part of the team.

Diversity & Inclusion

A&M’s entrepreneurial culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who can positively impact our clients and shape our industry. The collaborative environment and engaging work—guided by A&M’s core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity—are the main reasons our people love working at A&M. Inclusive Diversity means we embrace diversity, and we foster inclusiveness, encouraging everyone to bring their whole self to work each day. It runs through how we recruit, develop employees, conduct business, support clients, and partner with vendors. It is the A&M way.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is Alvarez & Marsal’s practice to provide and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, family medical history, genetic information or other protected medical condition, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by and in accordance with applicable laws. Employees and Applicants can find A&M policy statements and additional information by region here.

Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

Please note that as per A&M policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening and in alignment with our Inclusive Diversity values. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that A&M will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.