Director (m/f/d), Private Equity Performance Improvement - Financial Services

Alvarez & Marsal; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Alvarez & Marsal is seeking a Director (m/f/d) in Hamburg to lead Commercial Due Diligence, value creation, and growth initiatives for private equity clients in financial services. You will drive market insights, develop proposals, and strengthen A&M’s FS positioning while mentoring teams and shaping methodology.

Fluency in German and English is required, and you will collaborate with PE sponsors, portfolio executives, and senior stakeholders across international FS settings.

Qualifications

• Strong academic record with a university degree from an accredited institution.
• Extensive experience in a leading consulting firm, private equity environment, strategy boutique, or financial services organisation, with a proven track record of leading complex client engagements.
• Deep understanding of financial services business models, value drivers, competitive dynamics, and key industry trends.
• Demonstrated experience in Commercial Due Diligence, growth strategy, value creation, performance improvement, or transaction-related engagements for private equity investors and portfolio companies.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate complex market, operational, and financial information into actionable recommendations.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage senior stakeholders, and deliver high-quality outcomes in fast-paced and demanding environments.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with experience contributing to business development and practice growth initiatives.
• Fluent in German and English (written and spoken), with the ability to operate in international FS settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver Commercial Due Diligence and value creation projects for private equity clients in the financial services sector
• Generate actionable insights on market dynamics, revenue growth, and profitability improvement opportunities, providing strategic recommendations to investors and management teams
• Lead go-to-market, commercial excellence, and growth strategy initiatives for FS portfolio companies across the investment lifecycle
• Drive business development efforts, including originating opportunities, developing proposals, and strengthening A&M’s positioning in FS CDD and PEPI engagements
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with private equity sponsors, portfolio company executives, and senior stakeholders across the financial services sector
• Contribute to the development of FS-specific methodologies, sector insights, and thought leadership, while supporting recruitment, team development, and a high-performance culture

Skills

Commercial Due Diligence

Value creation

Growth strategy

Business development

People leadership

Stakeholder management

German & English fluency

Education

University degree

Job description

Description

About Alvarez & Marsal

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global consulting firm with entrepreneurial, action and results-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 why our people love working at A&M.

The Team

As a Director (m/f/d) within A&M’s Private Equity Performance Improvement (PEPI) Financial Services practice, you will work closely with private equity funds, financial institutions, and portfolio company management teams to deliver Commercial Due Diligence, value creation, and strategic growth engagements throughout the transaction lifecycle. Drawing on A&M’s deep operational expertise and senior resources, you will lead high-impact projects, drive client outcomes, and contribute to the continued growth of the Financial Services practice.

How you will contribute

• Lead and deliver Commercial Due Diligence and value creation projects for private equity clients in the financial services sector

• Generate actionable insights on market dynamics, revenue growth, and profitability improvement opportunities, providing strategic recommendations to investors and management teams

• Lead go-to-market, commercial excellence, and growth strategy initiatives for FS portfolio companies across the investment lifecycle

• Drive business development efforts, including originating opportunities, developing proposals, and strengthening A&M’s positioning in FS CDD and PEPI engagements

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with private equity sponsors, portfolio company executives, and senior stakeholders across the financial services sector
• Contribute to the development of FS-specific methodologies, sector insights, and thought leadership, while supporting recruitment, team development, and a high-performance culture

Qualifications

• Strong academic record with a university degree from an accredited institution

• Extensive experience within a leading consulting firm, private equity environment, strategy boutique, or financial services organisation, with a proven track record of leading complex client engagements

• Deep understanding of financial services business models, value drivers, competitive dynamics, and key industry trends

• Demonstrated experience in Commercial Due Diligence, growth strategy, value creation, performance improvement, or transaction-related engagements for private equity investors and portfolio companies

• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to translate complex market, operational, and financial information into actionable recommendations

• Proven ability to lead teams, manage senior stakeholders, and deliver high-quality outcomes in fast-paced and demanding environments

• Entrepreneurial mindset with experience contributing to business development and practice growth initiatives
• Fluent in German and English (written and spoken), with the ability to operate in international FS settings

Your journey at A&M

We recognize that our people are the driving force behind our success, which is why we prioritize an employee experience that fosters each person’s unique professional and personal development. Our robust performance development process promotes continuous learning, rewards your 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 prioritize 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 favorite aspects of working at A&M. The possibilities are endless for high-performing and passionate professionals.