Department:  Private Equity Performance Improvement (PEPI)

Alvarez and Marsal’s dedicated PEPI professionals work with Investors, leading Private Equity houses and their portfolio companies to provide independent analysis, as well as high profile banks and multi-national companies.  We offer end to end services across the investment life cycle that deliver results in every economic cycle.

We pride ourselves on listening to our clients, understanding their business and combining solutions and implementation to preserve and generate value for our client’s businesses. Our goal is to improve cash flow and EBITDA and to provide earnings benefits through hands-on involvement in our clients’ operations and transactions. Furthermore, our job is to support PE firms, bank syndicates and hedge funds to ensure their portfolio companies have credible plans and the ability to execute and deliver the financial results required.

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 maximise its value.

Purpose of the Transformation Director role:

Within our established and highly regarded Private Equity Performance Improvement team, an opportunity exists for a Director in our Stockholm office, against a backdrop of unprecedented growth. We are looking to hire a leader who has a successful track record with a blend of operational and commercial skills, an entrepreneurial approach and networks across the M&A community.  This role will have a particular focus on the Swedish region.

Supported by the European Private Equity Performance Improvement team, you will help build the profile and reputation of A&M PEPI in the identification of performance improvement initiatives (within PE owned portfolio companies), covering both short and longer term transformational delivery. 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing rapid diagnostics through analytical and qualitative insight to identify opportunities to transform a PE-owned organisation’s current performance;


• Subsequent implementation of the opportunities through development and execution of a transformation plan tied closely to EBITDA and working capital improvement;


• Post-merger integration and performance improvement;


• Evaluating both cost reduction and revenue enhancement opportunities;


• Leading post-acquisition work to ensure that our Operational Due Diligence reports are 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;


• Encompassing in the 100-day planning process the merger of two organizations for which a specific methodology has been developed;


• 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;


• Leading and managing teams across multiple workstreams and disciplines to drive a consolidated transformation for clients;


• Drive quick initial short-term gains in order to release cash to invest in longer transformation targets;


• Developing and implementing a new operating plan to improve the business operational performance.

Requirements for this position:

The successful candidate will be an expert in design and delivery of organisational change and transformational programmes at C-suite and board level.  In addition, this role will be a senior hire so is responsible for generating business development and proactive client relationship management.  Essential & Desirable requirements below:

Essential:

• Must have extensive knowledge of delivering Performance Improvement Services (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 leading teams & delivering major transformational assignments at pre and post deal, with a proven record of achieving agreed benefits;


• Must be Private Equity Industry Savvy, with established experience of working with Private Equity backed portfolio companies, with a relevant network.  In addition, will have extensive experience and understanding of the private equity lifecycle;


• 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 and change management methodologies & policies e.g. tool kits, communication strategies, coaching;


• Must have an ability and willingness to travel (potentially from Day 1) to client sites, across the Sweden & European regions, at short notice as part of the working week;


• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is essential;


• Clear determination to deliver the latest thinking in pre and post deal solutions;


• Strong analytical skills and deep dive analysis;


• Fluency (both verbal & written) to a business level in both English and Swedish is essential;


• Possess excellent financial & business and/or financial modelling skills with previous P&L accountability.  Can conduct an initial rapid diagnostic into the company's immediate and future cash needs, product profitability, cost base and major operational issues,


• Experienced in resolving complex operational and financial problems including implementing cost reductions and operational improvements;


• A persuasive and effective communicator & stakeholder manager who can engage effectively with leadership teams in pressure situations and influence at Board level

Desirable:

• MBA or financial qualification such as a CA preferred but not required;


• Additional European languages are highly desirable;


• C-Suite operating experience is preferable;


• Have a varied cross sector background including telecommunications, automotive, manufacturing, energy, retail, consumer goods, transport, business services and healthcare;


• International experience in at least 2 of the major global markets with Europe and the Americas being highly desirable;


• Supplementary accreditation/certification in international reporting standards highly desirable.

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.

With over 4,500 people across four continents, we deliver tangible results for corporates, boards, private equity firms, law firms and government agencies facing complex challenges. Our senior leaders, and their teams help companies act decisively, catapult growth and accelerate results. We are experienced operators, world-class consultants, former regulators and industry authorities with a shared commitment to telling clients what’s really needed for turning change into a strategic business asset, managing risk and unlocking value at every stage of growth.

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. It runs through how we recruit, develop employees, conduct business, support clients, and partner with vendors. It is the A&M way.

Voluntary Inclusion

It is Alvarez & Marsal’s policy to provide and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, pregnancy, marital status, family status, religion, national origin, age or disability or any other non-merit based factor in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

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 were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. 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.