Director - Private Equity Performance Improvement - Operations - France

Description

About Alvarez & Marsal is a global consulting firm with entrepreneurial, action‑oriented professionals. We take a hands‑on approach to solving our clients' problems and assisting them in reaching their potential. Our culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who 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 what our people love working at A&M.

About the 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. The position may be based in our Paris office or in London, with weekly travel to France. We are looking for someone with a successful track record blending operational and commercial skills, an entrepreneurial approach, and networks across the M&A community.

Supported by the European PE Performance Improvement team, you will help build the profile and reputation of A&M PEPI in France, specifically in the key specialization of ODD. You will reflect the operational distinctiveness that is A&M: a business‑savvy, solution‑focused entrepreneur determined to make a difference and not afraid to challenge the status‑quo. You will deliver both interim and advisory assignments in pre‑ and post‑deal phases.

How You Will Contribute

• 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 is realized in full and in the shortest possible time.
• Developing detailed and robust methodology to ensure that the first 100 days are clear, with ownership created throughout the organization and quick wins delivered.
• Managing the integration of two organizations within the 100‑day planning process using a specific methodology.
• Supporting delivery of projects with private‑equity‑owned businesses to assess opportunities to improve their financial and operating performance.
• Working with private‑equity owners through the full spectrum of complex issues arising in operations, including manufacturing, supply‑chain management, logistics and purchasing.
• Contributing strongly to business development activity including developing successful pitches and selling, from the initial diagnostic project phase into implementation work.
• Providing an initial rapid diagnostic into a company’s immediate and future major operational issues, product profitability, cost base, manufacturing processes and options for improvement.
• Supporting PE firms to ensure their portfolio companies have credible plans and the ability to execute and deliver the required financial results.
• Developing and implementing a new operating plan to improve business operational performance.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Extensive knowledge of Operational Due Diligence (ideally in a client‑site‑focused delivery model) within a top‑tier strategy firm, leading specialist team or an executive‑lead advisory firm.
• Recent, relevant experience in International Operations, including manufacturing, supply‑chain management, purchasing and logistics (ideally within retail, pharma or business services).
• Track record of successfully delivering major operational due diligence assignments at pre‑ and post‑deal stages.
• Private‑equity industry savvy with established experience working with PE‑backed portfolio companies.
• Experience with operational KPIs, Balanced Scorecards and reporting/review processes to ensure continuous improvement of operational performance.
• Understanding and execution of Lean production philosophy.
• Leadership of holistic performance‑improvement projects, understanding different kinds of Project Management Office (PMO) tools.
• Ability and willingness to travel (potentially from Day 1) to client sites across the UK and European regions at short notice as part of the working week.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is essential.
• Clear determination to deliver latest thinking in pre‑ and post‑deal solutions.
• Fluency at a business level in both English and French is essential.
• Strong analytical skills and deep‑dive analysis.
• Persuasive and effective communicator capable of engaging leadership teams in high‑pressure situations.

Desirable

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

Your journey at A&M

We recognise that our people are the driving force behind our success, which is why we prioritise an employee experience that fosters each person’s unique professional and personal development. Our robust performance‑development process promotes continuous learning, rewards contributions, and fosters a culture of meritocracy. With top‑notch training and on‑the‑job learning opportunities, you can acquire new skills and advance your career.

We prioritise your well‑being, providing benefits and resources to support you on your personal journey. Our people consistently highlight the growth opportunities, our unique entrepreneurial culture, and the fun we have together as their favourite aspects of working at A&M. The possibilities are endless for high‑performing and passionate professionals.